Mother Nature: My Silent Business Partner
Over recent weeks I have have had many communities reaching out to me to share my story, some hope and strategies as they find themselves in the midst of a really tough season, are dealing with the unpredictability of the season ahead or have been impacted by policy change, or industry downturn or unrest.
Agriculture is a tough game that requires alot of pieces of the puzzle to fall into place, a journey I know too well.
At just 22, I found myself embarking on what felt like a dream come true. Together with my wife and parents, we purchased our first farm—an aspiration I had nurtured for the past seven years. I was excited and perhaps a bit naïve, unaware that alongside my family, I was stepping into a partnership with a formidable, silent business partner: Mother Nature. Every business has its key stakeholders, and after nearly five years of growth and optimism, it became clear that this silent partner would soon reveal her influence in ways I could never have imagined. Her impact would resonate not only in the operational and financial realms but also deeply affect our physical and emotional well-being.
The First of Many Demands
In 1993, Mother Nature decided it was time to show her hand. Although I had always been conscious of her presence, it was during this tumultuous year that her demands truly challenged the viability of our venture. After days of relentless rain, swollen drainage channels broke their banks, inundating our farm—transforming it into an unrecognisable landscape of mud and water from fence to fence line. Just weeks before, we had experienced a bountiful spring, lush with grass and promising ample feed for our cattle. We had big plans to conserve the excess pasture, which would set us up for success for the season ahead. But in a matter of hours, those hopes were dashed. The floodwaters not only destroyed our plans but also tested our resourcefulness and adaptability.
In the face of adversity, we discovered the strength of our community. Neighbours came together, offering assistance and support, and we learned to lean on each other during those challenging times. It was a sobering reminder that while we may have had our dreams, they were intertwined with forces far beyond our control.
The Start of the End
Fast forward to the early 2000s, when Mother Nature once again asserted her dominance. Climatic conditions were becoming increasingly dire, and the relentless dry spell gripped our land like a vise. Months turned into years without decent rain, and the situation became increasingly desperate. This time, it wasn’t just us; the entire farming community felt the pressure. Mother Nature had a stranglehold on our livelihoods, draining the life from our business, our families, and our community.
These were trying times that tested every ounce of our resolve. Amid the struggle, I unearthed invaluable lessons about management and the importance of meticulous planning. I learned to focus on the finer details—the 1 percenters that could either make or break us. Yet, the weight of constant worry about feeding our livestock and financing our operations became an unbearable burden. After two and a half years of relentless stress, my family and I reached our breaking point. We drew a line in the sand and made the heart-wrenching decision to walk away from the farm, leaving behind everything we had worked tirelessly to build.
Grateful for the Lessons
Despite the tumultuous relationship I had with Mother Nature, I am ultimately grateful for the lessons she imparted. She taught me that within a single day, I could marvel at her beauty and, just as quickly, be struck by her fury. I learned to be acutely aware of my surroundings, to appreciate what I had, and to remain adaptable in the face of change. She instilled in me the importance of initiative, problem-solving, calculated risk-taking, and the principle of "sow before you reap." Above all, she taught me resilience and the profound importance of community support during tough times.
The moral of my story is clear: choose your business partners wisely, or at the very least, prepare for the unexpected challenges they may present.
Addressing Mental Health in Farming Communities
Reflecting on my experiences, I wasn’t surprised by the alarming findings of a wellbeing report into the mental health of farmers, commissioned by the National Farmers Federation www.nff.org.au and Norco www.norco.com.au
Over the past six or 8 years, I’ve worked closely with rural, regional, and remote communities that have been impacted by Mother Natures curveballs as a speaker and mental health advocate, and the findings resonate with the conversations I’ve had across Australia.
The report revealed distressing statistics:
45% of interviewed farmers reported thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
30% had attempted self-harm.
64% experienced anxiety, while 45% suffered from depression.
Weather events triggered mental health issues for 47% of participants.
A staggering 88% noted adverse effects on their farming operations due to weather in the past five years.
Life in regional Australia presents unique challenges, and many men struggle to ask for help, often isolating themselves from family and community. I know this struggle all too well. After enduring the relentless pressures from Mother Nature and facing a complete breakdown in my business and family relationships, my mental health reached its lowest point. The unrelenting drought left my family and me exhausted—physically, emotionally, and financially. I grappled with the profound loss of my identity as a farmer, feeling adrift in a world that once defined me.
Normalising the Conversation
We must normalise the conversation around mental health. It requires a community-wide approach to create a safe environment for open dialogue. From my journey, I learned three vital lessons that can help others facing similar challenges:
Communication is key. Talking openly about feelings and struggles can be incredibly liberating.
Stay connected. Reach out to friends, family, or neighbours. Building a strong support network is essential.
Seek help. Whether through professional services or community groups, don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it.
Supporting mental health in farming communities involves a web of stakeholders—government, organisations, and the communities themselves—aligning their efforts. At the grassroots level, we must develop a range of tools and support networks that not only bolster individual mental health but also empower us to support one another.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please prioritise a visit to your GP. For support, reach out to Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au at 13 11 14 or TIACS www.tiacs.org at 0488 846 988 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 10 pm AEST).
To connect with me or learn more about my journey, or the services from Keynotes, Workshops, and Mentoring I offer to my Podcast , visit my website: www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au
Together, we can navigate the challenges posed by our silent business partner, Mother Nature, and foster resilience in our communities.