On Thursday, Fonterra announced it would cuts its milk price $4.75 per kilogram of milk solids, joining Murray Goulburn and Bega Cheese.

Now in its fifth year, the community BBQ is held on the last Friday of June each year, and provides an opportunity for farmers from all sectors of industry to engage with one another.

The event was supported by the Dorset Suicide Prevention Team and the North-East primary health care coordinator, who were on hand to informally discuss mental health issues.

Farm Feast committee member Cheryl McCartie said the event allowed farmers to connect with mental health services in a non-pressured environment. 

“It gives everyone a chance to at least see who the social worker or mental health worker is, and if they need help down the track then there’s a bit more confidence about seeing someone,” he said.

“Some of the older farmers have lived through the cycles of volatility and some of the younger guys hopefully felt reassured that the rest of us want to make sure they’re ok too.” 

The Feast was run by the North-East Lions Club and hosted by Scottsdale farmers Susan and Jerrod Nichols.

North East Lions Club member Craig Steel said the event supported farmers and their families and employees.

“Things are pretty tough, I’m an ex-dairy farmer and I can totally sympathise with them at the moment too, in the rural industry we all have ups and downs.

“It will be one thing this year and something else the next year and there’s not a lot we can do about it.”

Charity organisation Rural Help @ Hand also arrived to raise awareness about their service.

Rural Help at Hand founding ambassador Annette Reed said the organisation helps rural patients in city hospitals and their families, and the Feast raised approximately $2000 for the charity.

“It’s just as important to build awareness and provide education to city medical staff about the needs of those living in rural areas,” she said. 

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