FARMSTRONG
A catch-up over cricket Tim Bond recently pulled on the pads for the dairy farmer’s team in Te Puke’s annual farmers versus growers cricket game. He shared his thoughts with Farmstrong on the serious message behind the fun.
H
ow did the game go, Tim? You come from a sporting background, don’t you? Yes, I played rugby at a high level for about 10 years but on the cricket field I’m afraid I’m just another battler. I think we lost by about 40 runs, but it was a brilliant day. I play social twilight cricket in Te Puke and that’s how I got roped in, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My background’s in rugby, so I’m actually thinking of way we could take this idea and use it there. Everyone’s busy on their farms or orchards at this time of year, why take time off for a game of cricket? Well, that’s the whole point. Even though you’re head down, bum up all the time, you’ve got to make time for these sorts of things to keep well. There’s never a right time in farming. There’s always something to fill a gap in your day. But everyone needs to have that bit of time off where they can just go and have a laugh and unwind. It’s not just good fun, it’s actually good for you.
So, it’s not just about cricket? That’s right. To someone else looking in it might just look like a fun game of cricket, but for someone on the field, it might be their one opportunity to get off their farm or orchard for the week, or for the month. The game’s also a great way to raise awareness about rural mental health. What are you hearing are the main pressures? Weather’s a massive one for farmers and I can see that really puts pressure on. This year’s been a bit kinder, the payout’s good and the schedule’s good, but there’s not a lot of space for guys to get cattle away. Covid’s added another layer of disruption, hasn’t it? Yes, that’s right, labour’s in short supply. The markets are buoyant, but I feel for these guys at the moment. There’s only so many workers out there. I was talking to a client who had a contract milker all signed up and a month into the job he just rang the boss and told him he was moving. That was it, he just left, which was incredibly difficult for the farmer.
Tim Bond – fourth from the right is a big believer in getting time away from the farm and work and catching up with mates or playing a sport.
What can rural people do to make themselves more resilient – what do you do? I work and I’ve got a young family, which keeps me busy, but I think it’s about making an effort to take time off no matter how busy you get. I really enjoy getting out for a run every now and then. If I feel things getting a bit tight mentally, I’ll try and bang out a run and do 10km.
“Talk to your friends and family, get offfarm for a break.” Tim Bond How does that help relieve pressure? I’m a big believer that pushing yourself physically a couple of times a week helps your headspace. There’s a science behind it. It clears the brain. If you’re pushing yourself, all you can think about is how hard you’re working and so mentally that is time away from anything you might be dwelling on at work. It’s about finding what works for you.
