Rural
7 September, 2024
Straight from the farmer's mouth
BCG's Main Field Day held on September 11 at Nullawil will explore practical ways to manage fatigue and prioritise your wellbeing, no matter the size of your farm business.
Eyre Peninsula grain grower Mark Modra will share his powerful story.
After a serious vehicle accident in 2020 left him with five fractured vertebrae and six
weeks in recovery, Mr Modra realised the need for a change in how he managed his workload.
“Labour was my biggest struggle,” he said.
“I was trying to do too much on my own.
"There are times when you've got to say ‘I've got to change this structure.’”
Mr Modra will discuss how he turned his experience into a lesson on the importance of planning,
setting clear priorities and resourcing appropriately to prevent burnout.
“You have to ask yourself ‘What are my priorities? Do I want to be the biggest farmer, or do I
want to focus on my family? Am I willing to put my wellbeing on the line?’,” he said.
This year, BCG is bringing together a range of health services, including East Wimmera Health
Service, Central Mallee Health, Headspace, WorkSafe and Agriculture Victoria, to provide
resources and support for farmers to manage fatigue and mental health challenges.
It's a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn from fellow farmers, access vital resources and connect with others who understand the challenges of farming.
Other topics at BCG’s Main Field Day will include nitrogen management, high-yielding wheat, grain supply chains, top farm performance factors with Professor Ross Kingwell, pulse diseases and
varieties, vetch varieties and end use, canola establishment, disease management, National
Variety Trial cereal results and a herbicide matrix.
The event will be held next Wednesday, September 11, at 196 Nullawil North Road, Nullawil.
Registrations can be made at www.bcg.org.au/events.
The day will run from 8am to 4pm (with breakfast provided).
It is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members.
Non-members can sign up by visiting bcg.org.au/memberships/ or calling 5492 2787.
Meals can also be pre-booked on the website.
For biosecurity reasons, before visiting the site attendees are asked to ensure that all footwear and vehicles are free of soil.
Contributed by Birchip Cropping Group (BCG)