Farming struggles and triumphs: recommendations from Australian farming families

The farming and grazing industry is an industry where there is a constant evolution of stressors, impacting on the farming families ability to remain resilient to these challenges, which is evident through the steady decline in the number of farming families in the past twenty years. Yet despite the growing number of adversities within the industry (i.e. climate change), some farming families still continue to persevere on the farm. However, due to limited research, little is known about the influence that the farming working lifestyle has upon farming families' well-being. It is important to identify factors that affect farming family well-being as this industry is a vital industry for the Australian economy and needs to be supported. Therefore, the determinants of farming families well-being and the identification of factors which buffer stress and assist in the perseverance of farming families was investigated. Interviews across Queensland and New South Wales were conducted with 53 members of farming families (M=28, F=25). As an outcome, themes were identified in relation to what skills and values farming families perceived farmers needed in order to be a successful farmer (Men = managing for the future, respect for land; Women = adaptability). Furthermore, informants reported how they identified with farming (Men & Women = it's who I am) and why they continued to farm (Men = lifestyle, pride in product; Women = lifestyle). As a result, it was proposed that those who had higher levels of commitment to farming and identified more closely with farming were more likely to be satisfied with their life and work and would be able to buffer stress more effectively