Southland farmers are being invited to a free brunch in their districts, from October 13-22.

The events are being hosted across the region by the Rural Support Trust in an effort to connect the rural community and treat farmers to a well-deserved cuppa in what has been a pretty difficult year.

From one in 100-year floods in February, to COVID-19, snow across the region last week and more flash-flooding last weekend: farmers in the south have battled through it all.

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

“They’re resilient souls the old Southern farmers,” said Rural Support Trust chair Cathie Cotter.

“They deserve a treat every now and then…and this is just our way to give something back” she said.

At a time of the year when farmers have also been busy lambing or calving Ms Cotter encouraged farmer to take a short break and come down for a chat and a hot drink.

“We’re just encouraging farmers to come off farm, even if it’s for half an hour, just to get out, have a hot sandwich and a coffee and make sure things are all going ok,” she said.

“We’ll have bacon butties and coffee carts.”

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

Farmers will be able to talk to the Rural Support Trust and other southern rural representatives to discuss any help or support that they may need on their farm.

The “Brunch on Us” events will be held in the smaller, more rural areas of Southland such as Wyndym, Dipton, Tokonui, Waikaka Valley, Riversdale, Athol and Otautau.

Rural Support Trust “Brunch on Us” dates (all 10am - 1pm):

Tuesday, 13 October 2020: Wyndham Hall, Wyndham, Southland

Wednesday, 14 October 2020: Dipton West - Dipton Hall

Wednesday, 14 October 2020: Tokonui Hall, Tokonui

Friday, 16 October 2020: Waikaka Valley

Tuesday, 20 October 2020: Riversdale Rugby Club, Riversdale

Wednesday, 21 October 2020: Athol Community Hall

Thursday, 22 October 2020: Orawia, Merrivale, Feldwick, Pukemaori & Districts Community Centre

Otautau