Federated Farmers Podcast
The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith.
Federated Farmers Podcast
When farming isn’t the problem – a Farmstrong story | EP 66
Marc Gascoigne, a Cambridge dairy farmer and Farmstrong Champion, joins us to share his wellbeing journey, including what it was like to suffer in silence for years and what helped him turn things around, including an unexpected conversation with his brother.
We’re also joined by Farmstrong CEO Gerard Vaughan, who helped establish Farmstrong in 2015 and has spent years turning research and psychology into practical tools that actually work for farmers.
As well as Marc’s personal story, you’ll hear about the most common stressors farmers face, what stops them asking for help, and the habits, mindsets and simple actions that make the biggest difference – even during busy seasons like calving and lambing.
This is a practical, honest conversation about what really helps farmers stay well, and how we keep normalising these conversations across the rural sector.
Useful links
Farmstrong.co.nz
Jason Herrick’s mental health story | EP 18
Mental health on the land – what’s the plan? | EP 48
‘How are you really doing?’ — Bex Green’s mental health story | EP 55
How farmers can lead well when the pressure is on | EP 60