Episode 19: Conversations That Matter with Farmstrong

Episode 19: Conversations That Matter with Farmstrong

From Maximum Production by Holstein Friesian NZ

August 14, 2025 · 57 min · Season 1 · Episode 19

About this episode

This episode discusses mental fitness and practical tools for farmers to manage stress and build relationships.

In this episode sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, we sit down with Kane Brisco, a Taranaki dairy farmer, founder of Farm Fit NZ, and author of Tools for the Top Paddock , alongside Gerard Vaughan, wellbeing lead at Farmstrong, New Zealand’s rural mental health initiative. This conversation tackles the challenges farmers face behind the farm gate, from stress and burnout to communication and resilience. Kane and Gerard share practical tools and personal stories to help farmers take care of their mental fitness, manage workload, and build stronger relationships at home and on the farm. Whether you're deep in calving season or just looking for ways to stay grounded, this episode offers real, relatable advice to help you thrive, not just survive, in farming. Sponsored by ⁠Boehringer Ingelheim⁠ Farmstrong Kanes Facebook Page: Farm Fit NZ Kane’s Book: Tools for the Top Paddock

People in this episode

Guests: Kane Brisco, Gerard Vaughan

Topics covered

  • mental health
  • farming challenges
  • stress management
  • communication
  • resilience
  • work-life balance

Keywords

  • farming
  • mental fitness
  • stress
  • burnout
  • communication
  • resilience
  • Farmstrong

Sponsors

Boehringer Ingelheim

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Farmstrong

Books & works: Tools for the Top Paddock

Places: Taranaki

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