Thanks for taking the FE survey

// Facial Eczema // Resilience and wellbeing

Farmers’ feedback on facial eczema will help shape better support tools and funded $3,250 for Rural Support Trust. During Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a timely reminder of the value of connection and community care in rural life.

image of farmers walking on farm as part of field day

Facial eczema (FE) is a serious animal health issue affecting sheep, beef, dairy and deer farms across New Zealand. The Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, funded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and MPI through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, is working to reduce the impact of FE through better tools, advice and support. 

As part of this, we ran a survey with the help of AgResearch to understand how FE affects farmers personally and how it influences decisions on farm. The goal is to improve the support available during high-risk periods.to understand how FE affects farmers personally and how it influences decisions on farm. The goal is to improve the support available during high-risk periods. 

We had a fantastic response, with 325 farmers and rural professionals completing the survey. To recognise this input, the EFEI programme is donating $3,250 to the Rural Support Trust. That’s $10 for every survey completed. This donation can help around 20 people access peer-to-peer support, an essential lifeline for those navigating tough times. 

This donation comes at a time when parts of the country were hit by severe flooding, adding extra pressure on rural communities. It’s a timely reminder of how important the Rural Support Trust is, offering free, confidential help to farmers doing it tough. 

Key insights from the survey 

  • Most farmers reported low stress during the 2025 FE season, but 8 percent experienced high to very high stress. Those who felt confident managing FE had lower stress levels, showing how trusted advice and support can make a real difference.
  • Farmers said their top worry was livestock health and wellbeing, more than financial losses or treatment costs. This shows that FE advice should focus on keeping animals healthy.
  • Zinc and grazing management are still key tools for managing FE, but the survey shows there’s room to improve how support and information are delivered. Genetics is also becoming a more common strategy for managing risk. 

Mental Health Awareness Week: Top up together 

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme ‘Top up together’. It’s all about connecting with others and looking after your wellbeing in simple, everyday ways. The Rural Support Trust plays a big role in this, helping farmers and rural families through tough times with care and understanding. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to your local Rural Support Trust. They’re rural people too, and they’re here to help. You can find out more about services they offer and how to contact them on their website. 

Thanks again for your input. It’s helping shape better tools and support for farmers dealing with FE. We’ll share more findings later this year. 

Below are some support and resources available.  

Support available  

Helplines  

Organisations that can help  

  • Rural Support Trusts have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Their networks and training can help with all kinds of situations and help you get through your current challenges.
  • Farmstrong is also a nationwide wellbeing programme, designed to give farmers the skills and resources to live well and farm well.
  • Surfing for Farmers, which is operating at a number of beaches this summer, gives farmers the opportunity to get off-farm, try a new skill, meet new people and enjoy the mental health benefits of sea water.
  • Farm without Harm is a grass-roots movement recognising the unacceptable levels of harm on New Zealand farms. B+LNZ has signed the pledge and encourages you to show your support too.   

Resources available  

B+LNZ have a range of resources dedicated to improve your wellbeing.   

The FarmSalus tool was developed as part of the Hill Country Futures Programme and is aimed at helping understand and monitor the human component of farming.   

Videos/webinars  

Scene + Herd podcasts  

Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week  

For more information about Mental health Awareness Week, visit the official website here.  

  • Facial Eczema
  • Resilience and wellbeing