At Southern Carbon in Pukerau, farmers and agricultural workers around the region were invited to a brunch held by MPI and Southland Farming support recently.
The goal was to help farmers connect and give them a bit of time off during a busy season.
Jake Bootsma, of MPI, said the brunch was a chance to connect agricultural workers together in a tough time.
"These events are just focused on farmer well-being, trying to get farmers off their farms for an hour to get together with the neighbours, have some food and a bit of coffee and have a chat," he said.
Mr Bootsma said this was important during this time of year, as the work was only growing and could lead to isolation.
"At this time of year, farmers are putting their work first and everything they’ve got into their businesses.
"So it’s really important for them to take some time out for themselves and just recognise that they need to look after themselves, as well."
Brunches are being held up and down the country for the past three years under the Rural Support Trust, and Mr Bootsma said they were more than happy working with them and helping out.
"We’ve done a lot of the background work pulling it together so that they can get out and and promote the good work that they do and support the farmers in that way," he said.
Rural Support Trust wellness co-ordinator Rachael Nicholson said these events were important to check in with farmers and let them know support was available.
"Sometimes they’re really isolated at this time of year with carving and lambing and it’s busy on farm.
"But it’s actually just they can come off farm and things are not going so well, they realise when they’re talking to other farmers that they’re all in the same boat. They’re not alone.
"Also if they’re coming in and we notice that things aren’t quite right, they can get the support they need."
Ms Nicholson had been in this space for 10 years and said there was more awareness for support and it was a matter of showing where help could be found.
"A lot of people, even though Rural Support has been around for a while, don’t know where to go.
"So we go to events and show how we can support anyone having difficulties on their farm."
It was important to have these conversations, Ms Nicholson said.
"A lot of people are talking about it more.
"But there are still people out there feeling isolated that won’t talk about it to anyone.
"So we’re showing that we are here and we do care."
