Building the future generation of young farmers

The Government is investing in the next generation of young rural leaders by backing a new initiative that will grow our grassroots rural wellbeing leaders, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced today at Fieldays.

"Building the future means investing in our young farmers who help shape one of New Zealand's most important industries,” Mr Doocey says.

"This new investment will support the creation of a Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme embedded in the iconic New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest. It will help develop regional wellbeing champions who can lead wellbeing conversations and support their peers in rural communities.

The Government is investing $98,000 to support the 100 Champions Rural Wellbeing Programme, delivered by New Zealand Young Farmers in partnership with Farmstrong.

The New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest is recognised as a pathway for future regional wellbeing champions. The programme will be delivered through the contest and will support up to 150 participants throughout their journey focusing on providing young farmers with tools they can use in everyday life to check in on themselves, and their mates. 

"Rural communities face unique pressures. We need to ensure young people have the confidence and skills to navigate these challenges, maintain their wellbeing, and look out for others when times are tough by leading wellbeing conversations.

“Our young people today are particularly impressive at leading the discussion on mental health. They have a vocabulary a lot of us never had when we were growing up. They can speak about their mental health and voice a lot more openly when they need support.

“This new initiative will help further breakdown barriers and help young people connect in with each other to get the support that they need.”

Mr Patterson says initiatives like this make a big difference for those in our rural communities.

“Our young farmers are more than the future of New Zealand agriculture—they are the future of our rural communities. By investing in their wellbeing today, the Rural Champions Wellbeing Programme helps cultivate resilient leaders, stronger families, and thriving rural communities for generations to come.” Mr Patterson says.

"Partnering with trusted organisations like New Zealand Young Farmers and Farmstrong means support is delivered in a way that works for rural New Zealand. These organisations understand the realities of rural life and have the credibility to engage young people where they are, in ways that work best for them,” Mr Doocey says.

“The announcement follows more than $100 million being invested this week into mental health services, including improved access to maternal mental health support, new inpatient beds, and psychology assistant roles.

"This Government’s mental health plan is delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.” ...