Farmers encouraged to put wellbeing first this spring

Dairy farmers around the country are now into the busy spring calving period. 

A dairy farmer’s workload typically increases at this time of year and, according to ACC data, so do their injury claims. 

In 2024, we accepted over 23,000 new farming-related injury claims, and spent around $120 million to help people recover from these injuries.

Over 6,000 of these claims were received during the busy spring period, ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Manager Paula Wood says.

“Exhaustion, lack of sleep, the stresses of farming, isolation from friends and family, and being unable to take a break all add to the risks that a farmer or farm worker will have an accident,” Paula says.

“This is something we want farmers and farm workers to keep in mind as they go through the busy spring calving season this year.”

Agriculture is among the top five industries for ACC injury claims, alongside manufacturing, construction, forestry and fishing. These industries accounted for 38 per cent of all workplace injuries in 2024.

One way to prevent injury is to simply stop and think, Paula says.

“Most injuries are avoidable if you ‘have a hmmm’ before moving on to your next job,” she says. 

“When you’re tired and rundown it affects your decision-making, so take a break when you need it so you can go home safe at the end of every workday.”

Paula Wood, ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Manager.

Keeping farmers safe through partners

New Zealand has some of the best farmers in the world but we also have higher rates of workplace fatalities and injuries in agriculture, Paula says.

“Injuries can have a big impact on the individual, their whānau and friends, their community and their workmates. We’re focused on reducing harm, injuries and fatalities and on driving positive, long-term change.” 

Paula says our partnerships within the industry are key to supporting this.

“We partner with Safer Farms and we also have our $11 million investment into the Farm Without Harm programme, as well as Farmstrong – a wellbeing programme which encourages farmers to farm well by living well,” she says.

“There’s always going to be inherent risks in an industry that involves operating heavy machinery and handling livestock. 

“But, by working with our partners and farmers on how they can implement practical safety practices on their farm, we can help to mitigate those risks.” 

Providing practical wellbeing tools to farmers

Farmstrong shares practical tips from farmers for farmers so they can perform at their best, programme director Gerrard Vaughan says.

“These tips can keep you focused and calm, they’re habits that help you look after the most important asset in any business – the people that work in it,” he says. 

Gerrard believes there’s a strong connection between your wellbeing and risk of accident and injury.

“It’s important to look after your mind and body, so you can bring your A-game every day to the work you do on the farm,” he says.

Over 10 years, Farmstrong has built up a collection of practical tools to help farmers improve their wellbeing. This includes a new ‘toolbox' of mental fitness skills for farmers to maintain a clear headspace and perform under pressure.

“We encourage farmers to check these out, find out what works for you, and lock it in.”

There’s a lot of great advice available to farmers through the Farm Without Harm and Farmstrong websites, which both offer a range of practical resources and guidance.

Safer Farms – Farm Without Harm

Farmstrong – Live Well Farm Well

Gerrard Vaughan, Farmstrong programme director.

ACC and Farmstrong

In 2024, ACC accepted over 23,000 new farming-related injury claims, and spent around $120 million to help people recover from these injuries.

During spring last year, we received over 6,000 new claims for injuries on farms. The cost to help people recover from these injuries was $31.6 million.

ACC announced a new partnership with Safer Farms earlier this year. The new partnership will see over $11 million invested by ACC over the next five years to improve safety practices and reduce risks on the ground and in our farming communities.

An ACC-funded study for Farmstrong shows 58 per cent of recently-injured farmers linked their injuries to stress associated with farm work. A quarter of them said it was a major factor.

Over 15,000 farmers and growers every year are doing the things that keep them ‘farmstrong’ by following the programme.

Farmstrong’s five ways to wellbeing

Connect – research shows people with strong social connections are happier, healthier and live longer

Give – when you give your time to others, they benefit, but it makes you feel happier too

Take notice – paying attention to smaller things can help you feel calm and relaxed

Keep learning – learning new things keeps your thinking flexible and open

Be active – keeping active is a great way to feel good