Trust Chair Sounds His Concern for Farmers

By John Freer

On the back of a difficult last 10 months, farmers and people working across the rural sector are now being advised to get their support networks in place for the coming summer.

This from a man who has been chairing both the Waikato and National Rural Support Trusts for the past 20 years. Neill Bateup, who farms near Tahuna,  remains concerned about the state of health of those in our rural workforce.

Rural Support Trusts around New Zealand in recent years have played a key role in supporting farmers on the back of storms and other significant impacts.

Pleasing for Neil is that over his 20 years, he had seen a significant change in that farmers – particularly males, now realised there is support available and they are using it.

The coming summer’s prediction will not ease the pressure on farmers with drought conditions being forecast. Neil urges farmers to take action now by considering stock numbers, feed resources and the provision of summer crops.

You can hear an interview with Neil by opening the link below.