A campaign has been launched to encourage farmers to collectively take care of themselves and each other through tougher than expected seasons
Weather it Together is a campaign led by farmers – for farmers, acting as a friendly reminder about practical steps members of farming communities can take to maximise their wellbeing, especially in a tough season.
Driven by Associate Professor Kate Gunn and the ifarmwell team at the University of South Australia, developed with farmers, backed by industry groups, it has been funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) South Australian Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.
The campaign encourages farmers to embrace four key behaviours:
• Keep Connected
• Focus on what you can control
• Get Active
• and Ask for Help by speaking openly about challenges with family, friends and professionals.
“Farmers are used to facing challenges and solving problems, they’ve done so for generations, but they should not feel they have to face them alone,” said Associate Professor Kate Gunn, Founder and Director of ifarmwell.
Associate Professor Gunn understands these issues from both a personal and professional perspective, having grown up on a farm near Streaky Bay SA and working as a Clinical Psychologist.
“It can be very overwhelming when your future is uncertain due to something beyond your control – something you can’t simply fix – like the weather,” Professor Gunn adds.
“This campaign is about focusing on what you can control, getting active, lifting each other up and sharing the load, all things we know help farmers maintain good mental health.”
Associate Professor Gunn points out this campaign is not only important, it’s timely, as it follows one of the most severe dry periods in South Australia’s history.
“Although parts of the state have now enjoyed some rain, unfortunately that rain has not washed all of the worries away. For example, it will take a long time for many farming families to recover financially,” Professor Gunn continues.
“Findings from previous droughts suggest that the full emotional impact of drought does not actually peak until the most intense dry period is over, so this campaign will be relevant and important for some time.”
Coordinating the rollout of the Weather it Together campaign, from the ifarmwell team at the University of South Australia, is former ABC rural journalist Annabelle Ottens (Homer) who adds, “As someone who has grown up in rural Queensland and now lives in South Australia’s Mid North, I’ve experienced my fair share of dry seasons and understand the challenges farming families face when faced with adversity.
“I am delighted to roll out this campaign in partnership with farming and community groups across South Australia,” Annabelle Ottens (Homer) adds.
Numerous industry groups are backing the campaign, including Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association.
Primary Producers SA Chair Professor Simon Maddocks explains, “This campaign is farmer-focused, evidence-based and timely.
“It’s about embracing hope, reminding each other that there are practical things you can do to make yourself feel more positive when things get tough, and instilling the message, ‘We’ve made it this far, we’ll weather it together.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, wants to advise, “We want farmers to know they are not alone.
“The State Government is committed to standing alongside them in the tough times, through programs like the Drought Mental Health Support Package and new initiatives such as Weather it Together.
“This campaign is about practical support, but also about reminding farmers and their families that it’s okay to reach out, to talk, and to share the load.
“By working together, we can help ensure our farming communities are strong, resilient and prepared for whatever the future holds,” Minister Clare Scriven concluded.
Weather It Together will first take shape on regional TV, radio, in the print media and online through a campaign website and social channels, sharing reminders and real farmer stories demonstrating the power of connection, movement, keeping focused on what really matters and opening up about challenges.
Over the coming months, the message will then spread into clubs and pubs, GP clinics, service stations and community hubs, anywhere farmers and regional communities gather.
“This campaign is about saying, ‘you’re not alone’ – no matter what the season throws at you,” adds Ben Lehmann, a mixed farmer from Caltowie SA who helped shape the project.
“When times are tough, it’s the people around you who make the difference – whether that’s catching up for a coffee, talking on the phone or knowing where to find the right support.
“It’s important we remind each other that speaking up about your challenges not only helps you, but it might open the door for a mate to do the same,” Ben Lehmann concludes.
For access to farmer-friendly resources, including films of farmers who have discovered the best ways to handle adverse farm environments, use this link.
About ifarmwell
ifarmwell is a free, practical, confidential online toolkit designed in partnership with Australian farmers, to help them cope with the unique challenges of farming life. Alongside the toolkit, the ifarmwell team, based at the University of South Australia, delivers co-designed educational initiatives, conducts world-class research, and advocates to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s farming communities.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website here.
