As we all know, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life, filled with both incredible highs and challenging lows. Right now, many of us are dealing with the tough realities of a difficult season: dry conditions, frost damage, and endless “what ifs.” It’s a lot to carry, and when you add in the regular pressures of family, finances, and relationships, it’s no wonder that so many of us feel overwhelmed.

I’ve been right there with you. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about t…

It's no secret that life on the farm comes with its fair share of ups and downs, moments of achievement and success alongside times of intense struggle. If you’re a farmer in South Australia, like I am, you’ve likely felt like the past six months have been a rollercoaster where the ups have steadily faded. This past week, in particular, has been the icing on the cake that none of us wanted to eat. The severe dry conditions and some severe frosts across the state have placed immense pressure on o…

What do you need permission to do? (or not do?)

This week's Reminder:

Be Present

Being present is not always about "feeling good". Rather,  cultivating our ability to be present,  in this moment right now can help us to step out of the stories in our mind which amplify pain and struggle.  Getting present helps us to just be - even if that present moment does involve pain or discomfort.  

Growing present moment awareness helps reduce the suffering and pain cycle by turning the volume switch down when our mind tries to deafen us with stories…

Monthly Trailmarker: Steph Schmidt Farm Life Psych

Gone are my days at the beach, and here are the days of office work, crutching, being on time for school pickups, and grocery shopping. It takes a bit of time to click back into the routine, but then again, routine gets thrown out the window frequently anyway. One day at a time, one moment at a time!

TL;DR (The important stuff if you don't read the rest)

- February Livestock SA Wellbeing Sessions for Livestock Agents & Producers in South Au…

Put Yourself in the Picture - Take Care of YOU in 2024

Righto, so we are already halfway through the first month of 2024! Some of you may have enjoyed a break over Christmas/New Years. Others (like my family and I), have been continuing to work through the ongoing farm jobs to be tackled. We had a soft finish to harvest around the New Year, went straight into a few hot weeks of crutching and shearing, thankfully we are finished (for now) and doing final prep to head away for our annual week at …