John Murdoch is a Farmer and rural mental health advocate from Bombala. John runs a mixed farming operation with his wife and father focused on merinos, first cross ewes, Angus cattle, and fodder cropping. He is also an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and support for farmers.

In this episode, John provides insight into farming in the Monaro and explains one of the major projects he managed in his previous role as a Board Member and Chairperson for the Monaro Farming Systems group. He also digs into the Farming Forecaster network and how pasture prediction tools influenced his farming practices.

John also shares his mental health battles resulting from the pressures of farming and disasters and how to support farmers better.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, reached out to John for this chat following your suggestions through our ‘Nominate a Mate’ campaign. 

Contact Rohan Leach at Central West Local Land Services at 0417 021 795 or rohan.leach@lls.nsw.gov.au to find out more about the Farming Forecaster network.

Mental health support:

If this episode has raised any concerns or feelings for you, please reach out to:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• The Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

Resources and links:

• Monaro Farming Systems website
• GrassGro on CSIRO website
• Farming Forecaster website
• Lifeline website
• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) website

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on Twitter
• Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.