ABOUT 150 farmers last week converged on Springfield, in the state's North-East, to celebrate farming communities, promote the social aspect of health and well-being and raise awareness of health support services in the region.
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It was all part of Farm Feast, an annual initiative originally funded as a drought assistance package for dairy farmers in 2009-10.
DairyTas chairwoman Cheryl McCartie said that from those initial four dinners across North-East Tasmania, the event had grown to include all agricultural industries.
"Farm Feast is a chance to welcome the new season and to look after each other," she said.
"Everyone's healthier the next day after they've been to an event like this so it's really worthwhile - it's basically a social inclusion event where someone who might be isolated comes along.
"There were many farmers attending who hadn't been involved before and they're lining up to come again next year."
Ms McCartie said that the event attracted a lot of dairy participants even though the industry had gone through a resurgence since 2009-10.
"Even when seasons are good, because it's a cross- community farming initiative, there could be one industry up or down and so we plan to continue it as an on- farm, grassroots event," she said.
"Working on a farm can be isolating and one night out with like-minded people can be great for their mental health. A lot of bigger farms make it an annual event and hire a bus so their staff can attend."
Farm Feast is organised by a local committee co- ordinated by the North East Lions Club with support from DairyTas and Dorset Primary Health.
