78 | Mental health a priority for couple Dunsandel dairy farmers Tony Coltman and Dana Carver. Karen Phelps Dunsandel dairy farmers Tony Coltman and Dana Carver know that putting their own mental health first puts them in a great position to lead their team. “There are a lot of pressures on farmers from every angle these days,” says Dana. “Just like you have to make sure you have the resources for your farm to be successful, you also have to do the same for yourself.” Dana has a psychology background and has worked in the wellbeing industry for over 25 years including owning a wellbeing studio in Cambridge and being the DairyNZ farmer wellbeing programme lead. She now works for a research and evaluation company called Scarlatti that undertakes workplace wellbeing programmes and is the chair of the GoodYarn Trust, a mental health literacy programme originally designed for farmers but now reaching into all types of workplaces globally. Tony started his career in rural banking and held a position with DairyNZ development and extension groups before he went full time dairy farming in Missouri then returned to New Zealand in 2012 and the couple purchased their present farm, an 510ha effective unit milking 2200 cows. The farm has two sheds, a 50 bail and a 60 bail rotary. They also 50:50 sharemilk a 293ha effective unit milking 1150 cows 15 minutes drive away. The couple practices self care by going to the gym together and ‘debriefing’ at the end of the day. “It’s about making sure we are being honest about the stress we may be feeling and not holding it all in,” says Dana. They also cite socialising with other farmers who are facing the same pressures as important, so they know they are not alone, along with prioritising healthy eating. “We then hope that flows down to the team,” says Tony. “It’s about leading by example and by focusing on ourselves first we are then in a better position to help our team.” A good example is that they recently noticed the wet spring was getting a staff member down so they suggested he take a ten day break. While they know this will not be the entire solution to the issue it was about offering help when most needed. They also know the times of the year and situations that most impact on their own mental health and have a plan in place. “You might know you start to get tired at a certain time of the year, like calving. So we aim to be DAIRY » Tony Coltman • to page 79 “There are a lot of pressures on farmers from every angle these days. Just like you have to make sure you have the resources for your farm to be successful, you also have to do the same for yourself.” physically fit before calving then have time off farm after calving. During calving we stay connected with others and make sure we go to the pub, have people over and play cards etc. Knowing what our Office: 03 324 2949 Mobile: 027 279 6447 Email: office@ealgroup.co.nz Website: www.ealgroup.co.nz Southbridge & Hororata BALING, STRAW & SILAGE, CARTAGE, CULTIVATION Servicing the contracting needs of farmers across Central Canterbury. Call us today to discuss your requirements • Concrete • Fertiliser Spreading - Farm Mapping - GPS Tracking - Variable Rate Spreading • Livestock Cartage • Grain Cartage • Shingle Supplies • Daily Freight Leeston: 03 3248 070 Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz IRRIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE · IRRIGATION SYSTEMS · REMOTE MANAGEMENT · PRECISION VRI
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