We are often told how important it is to take a break and get “off-farm”, but for many farmers, that is easier said than done, even in times of crisis.

Farms can’t run alone, and finding someone with the proper skill set to keep the wheels turning when farmers need to get away can be challenging.

Rural mental health advocate Craig Wiggins and journalist Rob Cope-Williams have devised a solution: Replace A Mate.

“We want to make sure that farmers can be replaced temporarily when needed because we all know that a situation can change in the blink of an eye.”

“Where do you find somebody to walk onto your farm if you suddenly have a sick kid, husband, or wife?”

The new initiative aims to create a database of people with farming skills, such as semi-retired farmers, stock agents, rural professionals or agricultural university students with time to spare who can step in and relieve a farmer in times of need.

“It can be as simple as someone to feed your dogs, or it could be actually stepping into the management role.”

That database will be assigned to a map so farmers can see who is available in their area and what skills they have to perform the tasks needed to keep things running smoothly on their farm in their absence.

A farming app provides an efficient, simple means of communication and information sharing between property owners and those stepping in to help.

“The Resolution Farming planning, mapping and recording app has got right behind us.

“If someone is going to a farm to help out, with just their email address, the app can give them all the health and safety information, including where all the water troughs and pipes are and everything they might need.”

Farmers can monitor stock movements through the app for peace of mind while away.

“It’s easy for the farmer to see what’s happening and assign more tasks if need be.

“With the technology available, it’s not that hard anymore.”

Wiggins said he hoped those who join Replace A Mate would do so on a volunteer basis, donating their time to the cause.

“It’s a volunteer type thing, although the farmer could throw in a mutton or two.

“If it’s a longer-term thing, then that’s up to the farmer and the mates to sort out.”

Replace a Mate isn’t just for times of crisis- it’s for farmers who need to take a break and recharge.

Wiggins said that in time, they hope to make that easier, too, with a register of holiday houses available for an escape.

“Once we get Replace A Mate up and running, we want to have a page where you can give a farmer some time off-farm and list your holiday batch.”

Replace A Mate will be operational at the beginning of 2025, when information and links will be available on Wiggin’s website, www.leanonagate.co.nz.

By Claire Inkson