Community
4 June, 2025
Farmers unite in industry-led solidarity
A CONCEPT to unite farmers through difficult times has drawn hundreds of industry professionals together from across the region.
Last week free events for farmers and those in the agricultural industry were held in Warrnambool and Noorat, bringing more than 600 people together over two nights.
The events were highlighted by talks from agricultural and mental health professionals, in addition to AFL legend Kevin Sheedy as guest speaker.
The event had been conceptualised by Warrnambool Veterinary Clinic’s Phil Keegan – who has more than 30 years farming background – after seeing the hurt those in the industry were feeling amidst dry conditions.
He worked with likeminded peers, including colleague Dr Glenn Cuzens and NAB’s Brendan Coffey, and quickly found momentum for the events to be held.
“Our goal was just to bring farmers together,” Mr Keegan said.
“I work in agricultural services and I could see that morale was slipping away from farmers, and I felt we needed to do something quickly.
“There’s no rain around – we’re in drought conditions and yet people are drowning in the distress of it all.
“I sent some e-mails out to people saying what I was thinking – that we need to get people together, get them in a room so they can talk to one another, and help share their issues.”
“It just grew from there.”
Mr Keegan said the occasion provided an opportunity for those in the industry to forge new, or strengthen existing, connections while sharing their concerns to find practical solutions.
Industry experts were among those in attendance who could shed light on opportunities to alleviate the hardship being experienced from the practice of farming through to financial and mental health supports available.
“I think when we get some rain and farmers aren’t putting as much fodder out, that’s when the real issues will start,” Mr Keegan said.
“That’s when they’ll look at their books and say goodness we’ve had to spend a lot of money.
“They’ll need financial help, and the bankers I’ve spoken to have said they want to help – from altering interest rates to moving loans out further, but they can only help if they’re approached.
“What farmers need to do, if they are in a difficult financial situation, is go and talk to people involved in their business.
“There’s lots of services which have joined in to be involved.”
Mr Keegan said he was thrilled to see so many businesses involved in agricultural services throwing their support behind the event, highlighting a dedication to supporting farmers through difficult times.
“The part that has probably surprised me is we’d recognised farmers would want to come along, but the response from agricultural services has been incredible,” he said.
“They said they’d been thinking something needed to be done but they didn’t know what to do – it’s triggered health services looking to get involved and help out.
“Everyone wanted to find a way to get involved and show their support.”
Mr Keegan said the events were a reminder of how important connection is – something not uncommon in tight-knit farming circles, but also something which can be easily forgotten as pressures mount.
“The farming community are amazing,” he said.
“I was a farmer myself for 30 years and at times you’re battling either dry or wet conditions, and something as simple as a mate picking up the phone or going to the pub to have a chat, or going to a footy game, can make all the difference.
“That’s particularly why I wanted to use the Noorat Recreation Reserve for this event – people are familiar with this ground, and feel safe.”
Read More: local