Dr Jane Foster & GRDC

Farmers face constant and cumulative challenges, such as drought, natural disasters, lack of support, financial struggles and isolation. This takes a heavy toll on the mental health of farmers, with devastating effects on families and communities. 

Dr Jane Foster has worked with the Grains Research and Development Corporation since 2024, presenting at numerous events, podcasts and webinars. Through teaching the language of Emotional Resilience Training, Jane has strived to support farmers in managing emotions, conflict and communication. 

These are the testimonials of the GRDC farmers

"I feel that the pressure to be happy isn't a thing anymore. I don't have to pretend that everything is going well all the time. Before, I always felt like I was failing. Now I won't." Man, mid 40s

"You just stopped me from going down the suicide route. I now know that I'm not broken or failing and that life is meant to be up and down, and that those rough roads have meaning." Man, 20's

"I've been coming to these updates for 35 years, and this is the best presentation I've seen. If I had known this years ago, I'd still be with my wife." Man, late 60's

"I'm in a toxic family relationship, and you made me realise that I've been jumping on everyone else's rough roads. and taking on their troubles, thinking it was all my fault, and that I had to fix it.  Your teachings have given me so much relief, as I felt as though I had come to the end. It was all just too much. Now I know I have a choice to join them or not, and that I'm not in charge of their steering wheel! I can't thank you enough." Woman, Late 20's

"I feel like I have a better understanding of how the young workers must feel and the strategies I need to put in place so I can help them take on more responsibility. I'm sure this will help all of us." Man, mid 50’s

"So relevant. Great to see GRDC supporting these important issues." Man, mid 30's

"Loved the language and metaphors which we could all relate to." Woman, mid 40's

"Very good, practical and down-to-earth ideas, thanks " Man, 60's

“Great to see that it wasn't about another bloody farmer who has tried to commit suicide. That just makes it worse! You gave us practical stuff to do now instead of when it is too late!" Man, mid 50's

"The bit that had a big impact on me was to try not to be caught up in someone else's rough road. Keep working on how I respond rather than try to change stuff I can’t control. At least now I know I can control how I respond to it all." Man 50's

"Brilliant! Perfect language and metaphors for the audience." Couple, 60's

"I’m going to share this with my family and workers - I think we’ll all benefit from this in lots of ways." Man, mid 50’s

"Very easy to understand and helped to put a few things into a wider perspective" Man, mid 20's