ACC scholarship: Spotlight on farmers’ mental health

Dairy farming isn’t easy. 

Having grown up on a dairy farm in Southland, Reghan Laurie has experienced the demands of the industry first-hand. 

Reghan’s now using his own experiences from living and working on a farm to motivate his research into improving mental health services for dairy farmers.

He’s working towards a Masters of Science in Psychology at the University of Otago, with the help of an ACC postgraduate research scholarship.

“I have first-hand experience of the stresses involved with dairy farming,” Reghan says.

“I know prior co-workers that later committed suicide. I also have a younger sister with non-verbal autism, who required much care and attention from my family and I, on top of the heavy workload that dairy farming already demands.

“The intersection between dairy farmers and psychology is very important to me and investigating it is where I belong.”

Reghan wants to understand what changes farmers would like to see in mental health services and what motivates them to stay in the industry despite its challenges.

As part of his research, he’s interviewed 21 dairy farmers about their experiences and needs. 

“Southland dairy farmers have previously not been researched in regards to mental health, services and burnout in the dairy industry. The interviews shed some light on their actual experiences and perspectives.”

Disconnect between farming and mental health

New Zealand dairy farmers are facing a mental health crisis with high rates of burnout, stress and substance use, yet they often resist seeking help, Reghan says.

“Over 70 per cent reached burnout criteria following the COVID hangover. Other research shows farmers experience high rates of occupational-related stress, injuries and suicide.” 

Much of the discussions on mental health take place in urban settings, with many dairy farmers feeling disconnected from mental health topics, and disillusioned with mental health services, he says. 

Reghan’s research recognises that disconnect between traditional therapy and rural farming culture.

During his research process, he’s run into a couple of logistical issues.

“There are challenges I’ve had to overcome, such as travel distance to meet and interview the farmers and finding times that suit their busy days.

“This can become costly very quickly, so the scholarship has helped massively by easing the financial pressures of undertaking a study like this, as well as providing the opportunity to give this topic the platform it deserves.”

ACC scholarship provides boost

In addition to funding the research Reghan’s doing, ACC has also awarded scholarships, ranging from $7,500 to $15,000, to fellow University of Otago students Merrick Rodrigues and Merope Griffin, Massey University student Adrian Pretorius, Auckland University of Technology student Hana Sikma and Victoria University of Wellington student Luke Hollis. 

The 2024 scholarship has been awarded to six master’s students whose studies relate to ACC’s research priorities, says ACC Strategy, Engagement and Prevention Deputy Chief Executive Andy Milne.

“These priorities are informed by ACC’s 10-year strategy, Huakina Te Rā,” Andy says.

“ACC is committed to addressing complex challenges and understanding emerging trends in injury prevention and sustained recovery. The postgraduate scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to fill gaps in our knowledge about these challenges and trends.

“The findings will inform operational and investment decisions and actions.”

ACC’s research priorities for 2025 include ways to keep people at higher risk of injury safe, how to enable groups who most need additional support to access the ACC scheme, and what helps people to recover well from injury and stay safe from re-injury.

The 2025 scholarship will be available through Te Pōkai Tara Universities New Zealand later in the year.