DairyNZ supports farmers through Rural Support Trust partnership
Periods of heavy farm work, including calving, can coincide with responsibility for herds, pasture, staff, administration and family life. DairyNZ says strong personal and workplace relationships can provide support during these periods, while difficult conditions may intensify existing relationship problems.
Jane Muir, a senior people specialist at DairyNZ, said employers, employees, farm owners and contract milkers need clear communication, shared expectations and documented agreements. She said these arrangements are important when pressure increases on farms.
The Rural Support Trust has more than 300 people working across 14 regions. Its staff have links to rural communities and knowledge of local farming issues. The trust offers assistance with health and wellbeing, financial pressure, employment, animal welfare and biosecurity.
DairyNZ’s partnership with the trust is supported by farmer levy funding. Jane Muir said the organisation was “incredibly good at supporting farmers in tough times” and that the partnership would help it continue this work. The trust’s local teams and wider network provide support across a range of situations, according to DairyNZ.
Employment-related concerns account for a substantial share of requests for assistance. Some of DairyNZ’s funding supports the Rural Employee Support Hub, which provides employment information and wellbeing assistance for people working on farms. The trust also receives requests connected with mental health and natural disasters.
Tony Finch, DairyNZ’s key accounts manager, said DairyNZ works with the trust and other industry bodies through Regional Advisory Groups during adverse events. DairyNZ provides local information and support to those groups as they prepare for, respond to and help with recovery from emergencies. Where farmers need help with farm systems, partners identify them and assist with a return to normal business operations.
Michelle Ruddell, the Rural Support Trust’s national chair, said preparation for demanding periods includes ensuring that people are trained, ready and rested. She also identified quieter periods as an opportunity to strengthen teams and maintain healthy workplace relationships. Farmers can contact their local trust on 0800 787 254 between 8am and 6pm. The Rural Employee Support Hub can be reached on 0800 694 121 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. DairyNZ published the article on 21 September 2026 and also directed readers to a podcast featuring Muir and Ruddell.
