By Farmstrong

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Farmstrong hosted farmers and growers at the recent Battle of Bays rugby game between the Bay of Plenty Steamers and the Hawke’s Bay Magpies.

The event, sponsored by FMG, was a reminder that being Farmstrong can be as simple as turning up to events you enjoy and sharing a beer with mates.

Inside the Farmstrong hospo tent, Scott Kahle, BOP rugby chair and FMG head of alliances and industry partnerships, kicked off proceedings by handing out signed rugby jerseys from each team to two lucky attendees – Ollie Fox (Hawke’s Bay jersey) and Thomas Lundman (BOP Steamers jersey).

There was plenty of mingling and banter ahead of kickoff among the 200-strong crowd. Then all eyes were on the game, which was tight and played in conditions that tested not only the players but also spectators.

Shortly after half time, gale-force wind meant the evacuation of the marquees. Being full of farmers and growers, the Farmstrong tent took it in its stride and saw out the rest of the game in nearby stands.

One of the farmers there was Hayes Garland, who dairy farms in Hauraki. Hayes loves the industry but says one of his “work-ons” is achieving better work-life balance.

“It was an awesome event. I was really looking forward to it. It was the first time I’ve been off the farm this season. There was a great vibe in the air and some really good chat and laughs.

“It was a room full of people like me. There were lots of people who hadn’t had much time off. For me being Farmstrong is about walking the talk. Sometimes you just need to accept that you need that break and go.

“I just told myself, ‘Right, I run the farm, the farm doesn’t run me.’ It was great to trade the gumboots for a taste of city life.”

Ahead of the game, Farmstrong caught up with Hawke’s Bay rugby chair Brendan Mahony, who is a lifetime member of the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association with a career spanning 53 years.

“I really like the idea of Farmstrong being at the top of the cliff instead of an ambulance at the bottom. I’m lucky I’ve always had rugby. You’re connecting with people, you’re giving back, you’re taking a break. You can’t beat a good day out at the rugby.”

Reflecting on the day, FMG’s Scott Kahle said: “Despite challenging conditions, it was great to work with different agri business partners such as Zespri, Federated Farmers, Farmlands, Fern Fuel and Rural Support Trust to bring a cross section of farmers and growers together to enjoy getting off farm and connecting.”

The game delivered drama to match the elements. Both sides were tied at full time with the Magpies eventually shading it in golden point with a drop goal to win 24-21.

But maybe the biggest winners on the day were the farmers and growers who turned up.

Farmstrong is nationwide, rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and growers to manage the ups and downs of the industry. Last year more than 15,000 farmers and growers attributed an increase in their wellbeing to Farmstrong. To find out what works for you and lock it in, head to www.farmstrong.co.nz