Latest News

Tractor racers raise funds for the Rural Support Trust
Katrina Thomas
/ Categories: National

Tractor racers raise funds for the Rural Support Trust

The money was raised through a first ever at the National Fieldays, Tractor Racing Experience

Photo: Left to right: Neil Bateup (Rural Support Trust), Janine Peters (Ag Drive) and Peter Nation (NZ National Fieldays)

Engines were revving and mud was flying as spectators sat on the banks of Fieldays 2022 watching competitors race against the clock, all in the name of the Rural Support Trust National.

The handing over of the cheque to the Rural Support Trust’s Chairperson Neil Bateup happened this week and New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive Peter Nation was delighted to have raised $4,500 towards the Trust’s critical work.

“Mental health is a big area of concern in rural communities and people often don’t know where or who to turn when things get tough. The work that the Rural Support Trust does is vital,” said Peter. “Also given what rural communities have had to endure this past week with the weather, makes what the work Neil and his team do so important”.

The money was raised through a first ever at Fieldays, the Tractor Racing Experience supported by Ag Drive Training who quickly stepped in and modified the much-loved annual tractor pull competition, offering visitors the opportunity to get behind the wheels of one of two identical tractors. Without the efforts from Andre Syben and his team of skilled instructors this event would have not happened.

As a result, Fieldays visitors were able to sit alongside Ag Drive instructors, the hardcore competitors times were tallied, with the fastest participants time being crowned the day’s winner!

“It’s not hard to have fun when you’re behind the wheel of a 200hpCase IH tractor racing your mates,” said Peter. “The Ag Drive team were amazing; they gave their time and expertise and it was a real thrill for people to get this opportunity”.

Rural Support Trust is a not-for-profit network of regional trusts that provide free and confidential assistance to rural people facing challenges in everyday rural life.

The Rural Support Trust is made up of farmers and those with a good understanding of rural life, acknowledging that there are often ups and downs, and the farming community face many stressors around health and wellbeing, financial pressures, animal welfare, employment matters and adverse events.

"It is great to be able to make a donation to the Rural Support Trust. But we also want to start conversations about rural life, which is an important part of Fieldays providing an event for farmers to take a break and get off the farm”, said Peter.

Fieldays organisers also provided the Rural Support Trust a site in the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, giving visitors the opportunity to stop by and chat with the trusts coordinators. “There’s real value in having people on the ground, getting in front of our farmers and sharing experiences, said Peter.”

Fieldays is returning to its traditional winter dates in 14– 17 June 2023

Previous Article Checked your crops for Fall Armyworm?
Next Article Further support for upper North Island regions hit by significant weather
Print
2999

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Message:
x

More news...

The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

October 18, 2024 0 Comments
Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay MP, and Rural Communities Minister
October 4, 2024 0 Comments
Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks are stepping up to fully fund the Farm Business Advice Fund for farmers who are under considerable business pressure, as well as continuing their sponsorship of the National Rural Support Trust.

September 26, 2024 0 Comments
English Classes to Ease Isolation

English Classes to Ease Isolation

Agri Teach Me co-founder and dairy farmer Lyzanne Du Plessis, of Otahuti, said the lessons were launched as a result of online dairy farming education provider Agri Teach Me asking online language programme provider Te Puna Reo Māori to help write a farming lessons for its curriculum.

September 8, 2024 0 Comments
Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Ag in Conversation are excited to launch a podcast series focused on Rural Women’s Mental Health. 

September 6, 2024 0 Comments
Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

We spend our lives growing our wealth and building our “empire”. But what happens to it when we die? We receive phone calls daily asking, “my loved one passed away, now what”.

September 4, 2024 0 Comments
Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

The government is boosting support for farmers impacted by the ongoing drought in North Canterbury, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced on the 14th August 2024.

Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

You may have new sharemilkers, contract milker or employees on board following this year’s farm change over day. FMG suggests now’s a good time to go over with them how your milking shed works to avoid...
National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down

National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down

Neil has Chaired the National Trust since its inception in 2017 and been instrumental in leading its growth and development.

Rural Support Trust NZ

With thanks to our Principal Sponsors
 
Thanks to our Time Out Tour partners