Major study to reveal true impact of disasters on Aussie farmers

Dairy farmer Jane Polson lost 120 heifers when floods devastated her NSW property, but says speaking about the trauma helped her heal.

Come hell or high water, Jane and Murray Polson have milked their cows day-in, day-out on their Oxley Island dairy farm.

But five months ago, the Polsons had higher water than ever before as a swollen Manning River made farming in their part of NSW a living hell.

Jane said the simple act of speaking up about the worst week of her life made all the difference and she’s encouraging farmers nationwide to do the same.

“Our dairy farm was hit really hard – the floods were a metre-and-a-half (150cm) than the previous 2021 flood and that was bad enough,” the Norco supplier said.

“The whole farm was inundated, the cows were locked in the dairy for three days.

“We were lucky to receive some intel from up river that the water was extreme, so we locked some cattle up, but we still lost 120 heifers, 70 of the heifers were caught in fences.

“We had 12 or 13 people in the one house because our farm workers couldn’t get to their houses. It was a nightmare for weeks and months.”

Launched today, Jane is calling on primary producers to take part in a survey conducted by Norco in conjunction with the National Farmers Federation.

“Talking about the floods, being open about its impacts, it not just helps your own mental health, it breaks down barriers and gives the whole community an idea of what we’re all going through,” she said.

Murray and Jane Polson with their children — L-R: Ruby, Hughie, Isabella and Lachie — on their Oxley Island farm.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report survey is open to all people working in Australian agriculture, across all regions, commodities and business sizes.

Participants can take part in the survey via Norco’s website and the findings will be analysed and released in late March 2026.