Tuesday, October 31, 3017
Mark Rieder
RESILIENT farmer Doug Avery is in the Eastern Bay on Friday to talk about his experience with depression and the state of agriculture.
Mr Avery, author of The Resilient Farmer, has become an unofficial spokesman for mental health in the farming community while touring the country with his message of hope. He will speak at the Whakatane War Memorial Centre.
His personal experience dealing with hardship at his South Marlborough sheep and beef farm has become a story of inspiration for others facing depression.
He said his personal recovery from depression came largely from him embracing the one thing that played a large role in creating it – change.
“I talk extensively about embracing change, why we don’t and why we should,” he said.
“I want to see us address the change that’s going on in the greater [business] community so we can be current. A lot of farms are stuck in the past.”
He said by accepting change and working to maximise the opportunities it brings, he not only improved his farm’s performance but his emotional well-being as well.
Tickets can be purchased at Paper Plus. His book will also be on sale at the event. Proceeds from the event and $5 from every copy sold will go to Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust.