An organisation for young farmers in Te Puke is gaining so much momentum that its members aren’t just supporting each other - they’re also volunteering their time to work on local properties.

Shanice Young, 27, took the position of Te Puke Young Famers chairwoman in November and not only secured $13,000 in funding but has also seen membership numbers grow from just six to more than 30.

“For me, mental health and wellbeing is a top priority, so we organise fun activities like mini putt and surfing, guest speakers as well as educational workshops. It creates a support network to lean on,” she says.

The dairy farmer moved to Bay of Plenty from Wellington four years ago and found the local Young Farmers was a great way to meet people.

“Farming can be quite isolating because it’s easy to get into the habit of working and then sitting at home,” says Shanice.

“Getting ‘off farm’ is huge because otherwise it can just be you talking to your boss and if you’ve had a bad day at work, that leaves no one to chat to about it.”

The group recently rallied to help a couple shift off their farm.

“They were over the moon when we sent the committee over to help clean up. They’d lived there for 20 years so it was a big job and they were pretty overwhelmed. It was good to see smiles on their faces,” she says.

She finds giving back to older generations hugely satisfying.

“There are times they’ve helped us, so there’s a lot of respect for older farmers. All our members are fulltime workers so we finish our daily jobs then go help wrap silage stacks or pick up bales in our off time. We’re open to any jobs that will help our community.”

Te Puke Young Farmers hard at work.

As chairwoman, Shanice is extending the geographical range to the entire region; from Edgecumbe and Whakatāne and across west of Tauranga.

She has opened membership to all 18- to 31-year-olds - a move that BOP Rural Support Trust co-ordinator, Jodie Craig, is grateful for.

“Other young farmer organisations have died out in the Bay of Plenty so it’s really important to have this welcoming, non-judgemental group to bring together the younger community,” she says.

“Often, it’s this age group that’s at a higher risk of feeling isolated because they’ve moved out of home and away from their friends. Shanice has a way of prioritising wellness and making it normal to talk about it.”

Jodie says Young Farmers is now active around the region and getting noticed for what they’re bringing to the community.

“They’ve run gumboot throwing and a rope-pull at the Whakatāne Wild Food Festival and were also at the Te Puke A&P Show. Connection is the key as well as the volunteer work they’re doing.”

Both Te Puke Young Farmers and BOP Rural Support Trust encourage rural property owners and workers to check in on their neighbours, family and friends and to reach out if they need a hand or someone to talk to.