Nuffield scholar Sarah Crosthwaite going above and beyond for rural mental health

Since the devastating 2016 clawback hit, dairy farmer and counsellor Sarah has used her unique experience to provide continued support to farmers.

Kergunyah South dairy farmer Sarah Crosthwaite was already studying to be a counsellor and working at Lifeline when the devastating milk price clawback of 2016 hit – and when it did, her unique background informed both halves of her work life.

“I think that experience has helped me with adverse situations since,” she said. “I’ve always had a real passion for farmers and farming communities.

“This was the first time for me where I was really in the same situation as them.”

Sarah Crosthwaite is a Nuffield scholar undertaking work on how different global ag sectors support farmer mental health. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Now Sarah, who runs 500 Friesians with her husband Stuart (who is a founding member of the new Mountain Milk Cooperative), has taken her passion to the next level, having successfully applied for a Nuffield Scholarship to better understand how countries around the globe support the mental health of their farmers.

“I’m hoping to see what other countries are doing to support the wellbeing and welfare of their farmers, to see if we can improve. Especially in response to changing climate and financial pressures,” she said.

“Farmers don’t leave work at five and come back the next day, their stresses are different. So how can we make sure we’re looking after them?”

Her research has already taken her to Canada and across the Tasman.

“I’ve been to Canada and what I find is they’re really looking at financial literacy, and I’ve seen similar in New Zealand — if we can improve financial literacy, farmers can make more informed decisions when issues arise.”

For her efforts, Sarah has been nominated for the 2023 Shine Awards, which recognise rural women who go above and beyond for their community, and for Sarah, the future for women in agriculture is bright.

“[Now] I see women in ag, which is really exciting. There’s a voice, there’s a presence.

“Women are doing amazing things with technology and in the field,” she said.

“I think it’s exciting for young school-leavers to see there’s a space for them in ag … there’s a future for women in ag.”

Sarah is a nominee in the 2023 Shine Awards, a partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman that celebrates Australia’s rural women. If you know a woman who makes a real difference to her rural community or industry, nominate her in the form below. Find out more about the Shine Awards here.