Managing the pressures of farming
[Table of Content]
What are farm family matters?
Farm family matters are the issues for families living and working on farms.
Why is it important to consider family matters on farms?
The farming family is unique in that work and home life is in the same location.
Many farm families are also isolated from services which present special
circumstances in which they have to function such as education and social
interaction.
What does farm family matters include?
- Families living on farms should try to have:
Family needs included in business cash flow including regular payments into a
separate family account. - Access to financial assistance eg family support, government schemes, reduced
cost education program - Benefit from lower cost options for family needs such as clothing and food.
Family time included in work schedules. - Set holiday and leave time in the business plan so the needs of all the family are
met. - Review of management plan of crisis times to include increased labour
requirements so that family members aren’t over burdened during these times. - Review of family roles and the possibility of sharing of roles.
- Family members have regular time with friends away from the farm.
- Involvement of all family members in business plans.
- Good family communication and conflict resolution.
Where could I get help with farm family matters?
- Centrelink can help with payments and other family matters – see phone book.
- Rural Financial Counsellors can help with farm family meetings –Rural Financial Counselling Services
- Family support services – see phone book