'Abandoned' farmers urged to share story in huge mental health probe
Peak farm bodies have launched a major national investigation into the mental health of our farmers, warning that pressure in the bush continues to rise despite previous alarm bells. Now they want your input.
Two peak farm organisations are running a major investigation into the mental health of the nation’s farmers, warning that pressure on the bush is rising, not easing.
The dairy co-op Norco and the National Farmers’ Federation have opened the next chapter in what has become a national benchmark of rural wellbeing.
After almost three years releasing the first National Farmer Wellbeing Report, a new online national survey is up and running.
And if you’re a farmer, the organisers want your input.
The Daily Telegraph revealed last month that farmer anxiety and stress levels were “off the charts”.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin warned that a farmer died by suicide every ten days.
He said large parts of the state felt “abandoned” as they battled drought, floods and disastrous policy decisions, particularly those related to the renewable energy rollout.
Norco CEO Michael Hampson said the new national survey was essential if Australia wanted to understand the true state of farm mental health.
“Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and their wellbeing underpins the future of Australian agriculture,” he said.
He said farmers had endured droughts, floods, fires and wild market swings. He called the emotional toll deep and ongoing.
“This research is about ensuring farmer voices are heard, so we can build a clear picture of how they’re really faring today, and what’s needed to safeguard their health, livelihoods and industry for generations to come.”
The report’s first edition in 2023 helped drive the creation of the Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture, now more than 60 members strong.
But warnings from that original investigation remain unresolved.
Close to half of Aussie farmers (45%) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30%) have actually attempted to harm themselves or take their own lives.
These alarming figures were among key results.
And farm leaders say conditions in 2025 have only intensified them.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the new national survey would only work if farmers everywhere took part.
“The wellbeing of our farmers is fundamental to the strength of the entire agricultural sector,” he said.
“This is a truly national effort, and it will only succeed if people in agriculture know about it and take part.”
Mr McIntyre urged farmers in all regions and industries to complete the survey, saying every response “strengthens the message” that decision-makers must hear.
The new study is focusing on physical and mental health, sources of stress, confidence in the future, resilience, the impacts of natural disasters, and attitudes to farming’s long-term viability.
One aim is to pinpoint where action is needed most urgently. Another is to measure what has changed since 2023, and what has deteriorated.
Early signs suggest many indicators have worsened.
The Daily Telegraph investigation last month uncovered deep frustration in the bush over the lack of mental-health services outside major cities.
RFDS mental-health lead Dr Tim Driscoll said telehealth often failed regional communities.
“What use are subsidised mental health sessions if there’s no mental health practitioner with their books open anywhere near you,” he said.
He said rural people were often hesitant to speak to city-based professionals who “may know little about life in rural Australia”.
A coalition of 50 organisations, including the RFDS, NSW Farmers and other major groups, has called for $50 million over five years to build proper mental-health support in agriculture.
The call has so far been met with “deafening silence”, according to industry leaders.
Norco and the NFF said the updated survey findings will be released next year, marking three years since the first report sent shockwaves across the industry.
Until then the message is simple.
Farmers need to be heard.
“Our communities can’t afford to get this wrong,” Mr Hampson said.
“The people who power Australian agriculture deserve to be supported, valued and set up for long-term success.”
The survey is now open at norco.com.au/farmer-wellbeing
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