A new farmer-led campaign has been launched in South Australia to encourage rural communities to look after themselves and each other during difficult seasons.
Weather it Together, created by farmers for farmers, promotes simple and practical steps to protect wellbeing: staying connected, focusing on what can be controlled, keeping active and asking for help.
The campaign is being driven by Associate Professor Kate Gunn and the ifarmwell team at the University of South Australia, with support from farming organisations and funding through the State Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.
“Farmers are used to facing challenges and solving problems—they’ve done so for generations, but they should not feel they have to face them alone,” said Associate Professor Gunn, who grew up on a farm near Streaky Bay and has worked as a clinical psychologist.
“It can be very overwhelming when your future is uncertain due to something beyond your control—something you can’t simply fix—like the weather. This campaign is about focusing on what you can control, getting active, lifting each other up and sharing the load—all things we know help farmers maintain good mental health.”
She added that the campaign comes after one of the driest periods in South Australia’s history. “Although parts of the state have now enjoyed some rain, unfortunately that rain has not washed all of the worries away. For example, it will take a long time for many farming families to recover financially.”
Research from previous droughts, she said, shows the emotional toll of drought often lingers long after the dry has broken.
Former ABC rural journalist Annabelle Ottens, now part of the ifarmwell team, is coordinating the campaign rollout. “As someone who has grown up in rural Queensland and now lives in South Australia’s Mid North, I’ve experienced my fair share of dry seasons and understand the challenges farming families face when faced with adversity,” she said.
Industry groups backing the initiative include Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association. Professor Simon Maddocks, Chair of Primary Producers SA, described the campaign as “farmer-focused, evidence-based and timely.”
“It’s about embracing hope, reminding each other that there are practical things you can do to make yourself feel more positive when things get tough, and instilling the message, ‘We’ve made it this far, we’ll weather it together’,” he said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, said the government wanted farmers to know they are supported. “We want farmers to know they are not alone. The State Government is committed to standing alongside them in the tough times, through programs like the Drought Mental Health Support Package and new initiatives such as Weather it Together,” she said.
“This campaign is about practical support, but also about reminding farmers and their families that it’s okay to reach out, to talk, and to share the load. By working together, we can help ensure our farming communities are strong, resilient and prepared for whatever the future holds.”
The campaign will first appear on regional TV, radio, newspapers and online channels, sharing farmer stories about the benefits of connection, staying active and speaking up. Over the coming months it will expand into clubs, pubs, GP clinics, service stations and community hubs.
“This campaign is about saying, ‘you’re not alone’—no matter what the season throws at you,” said Caltowie mixed farmer Ben Lehmann, who was involved in shaping the project.
“When times are tough, it’s the people around you who make the difference—whether that’s catching up for a coffee, talking on the phone or knowing where to find the right support. It’s important we remind each other that speaking up about your challenges not only helps you, but it might open the door for a mate to do the same.”
More details and resources are available at weatherittogether.org.au.
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