Zoetis, Beyond Blue continue partnership to improve mental health

FARMERS have been under the pump with a horrid season coming off the back of a poor season the year before, pressure is mounting, times are tough, keeping livestock fed, crops alive, and the banks off your back, poses enormous stress on farmers and those in the agriculture sector.

With mental health challenges in rural Australia reaching increasingly concerning levels, leading animal health company Zoetis has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the country’s farming and regional communities by continuing its long-standing partnership with mental health organisation Beyond Blue.

Zoetis has partnered with Beyond Blue since 2016, donating more than $900,000 to help fund mental health support services for people living outside major cities.

This year marks the 10th year of the partnership, with Zoetis aiming to raise $100,000 by the end of the year by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, poultry and companion animal vaccines and parasiticide products to reach the $1 million milestone.

Zoetis business unit director of livestock Fred Schwenke said the campaign reflected the need for a long-term approach to addressing mental health in regional areas.

“Supporting rural Australia on its long journey to better mental health is not a quick fix – it’s a sustained and compassionate effort.

“We know farmers and rural communities are strong, but they’re not invincible. Improving mental health outcomes requires more than just awareness; it needs consistent, meaningful action and unwavering, long-term support.

“That’s why, 10 years on, Zoetis remains firmly committed to its partnership with Beyond Blue.”

 

While mental health conditions occur at similar rates across Australia, people in rural areas often face greater barriers to getting help as access to services can be limited by distance, cost, poor connectivity, or concerns about privacy and stigma.

Farming communities in particular are under pressure, dealing with everything from natural disasters and economic instability to the emotional toll of isolation.

Recent data shows about 30 per cent of farmers have experienced a decline in their mental health in recent years.

The biggest stressors include weather events and natural disasters, reported by 47 per cent of farmers, followed by financial pressure at 36 per cent, and rising costs at 35 per cent.

Almost half of Australian farmers report experiencing feelings of depression, 64 per cent say they have dealt with anxiety, and 45 per cent say they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and nearly a third have attempted it.

The situation is compounded by a reluctance to speak up, more than half of farmers say they stay silent about their mental health because they feel uncomfortable or fear they will burden others. One farmer dies by suicide every 10 days – a rate twice as high as that of the general population.

Until October 31, Australians can support the Zoetis and Beyond Blue initiative by purchasing eligible Zoetis livestock, pig, poultry, and companion animal vaccines or parasiticide animal health products.

If you or someone you know needs support, the Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email.

To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. The free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat