Hi there, drought stress and business worries anyone? A side of self doubt?

Agronomy101 · ‎25-07-2018

Hi there you kind and beautiful listeners. I'm sad, stressed and a little drunk. After a long and awful story I have found myself with an amazing opportunity (or crazy bout of confidence) to start a consultancy business in agriculture....but at a time when my average potential client has zero income and >$1000/day livestock feed bill. I need courage, to either stick it out (my 'in the black' requirements are small but my loss of perspective and lapse into panic is daily) or to forget it, go back to working for someone else and look forward to retirement like a normal person. After writing this I feel guilty. I'm talented and educated with opportunities and determination but I feel useless. My support network live in another state and wouldn't get it anyway. I feel like a burden to the ones that would get it. There's also the sensation that nothing will relieve me from this stress and that its unfair to ask. I have suffered anxiety and some depression for most of my life but usually feel capable and self-reliant with only short bouts every 6 months or so. I hope it rains, I hope this town doesn't die, I hope I can hang on, I hope I can help the others get through and I hope I can return the favor to my small support group.

It would be nice to speak with anyone from the land or in a business startup position (or been there). I need to know I'm not the only one. Sincere thanks to anyone who reads this. K

Quercus · ‎27-07-2018

Hello Agronomy101 and a belated but very warm welcome to the forums.

I'm sorry you had to wait for a reply. It does happen at times that a post is missed. I know waiting for a reply and feeling rejected is a horrible feeling. I hope you can come back and talk to us. I would love to hear more about your business idea. Anything helping farmers is a great idea in my books.

Agricultural consultants are important even in times of drought. Yes money is tight but people do need advice... Crops and ideas for farming in changing climates clearly... but more importantly... Getting through the current stress without losing your farm. Have you any experience in alternative feeds? I heard a farmer speak on the radio recently about using watermelons rejected as unfit for human consumption as stock feed. And another about a farmer sending citrus to be juiced then returning the waste product (rind/pulp) as stock feed.

My point is people need practical advice. Things they can do to keep afloat for now. If you can offer hope to your community at their worst they will return to you for advice because they trust your business.

What do you think? Can you think of any skills you can offer now to help others survive the drought?

You sound like you are struggling too... When you mention a small support group is that friends locally? I believe in tough times it is more important than ever to form and develop your community and care for eachother. You have a massive skill set in itself knowing depression and anxiety via personal experience and combining that with agricultural skill. Who better to go check on the local farmers and have a cuppa and a chat and point them in the right direction if they are feeling crap too?

My point is even without rain I see value in what you have to offer. Others will too. I hope you can keep trying and hold onto your hope and ideas. Please feel free to join in anywhere on the forums. We have a very large percentage of rural members here... I know I'm not the only one relating to what you wrote.

Welcome 😊

Nat

Agronomy101 · ‎30-07-2018

Thanks Nat. Its all a bit up in the air at the moment. Life can change so quickly so I'm just trying to hang in there.

Summer Rose · ‎30-07-2018

Hi Agronomy101

Thank you for posting and sharing your story. I am a farmer. I understand drought stress and your concerns about continuing with your business.

The pressures on our industry and individual farmers--whether it be drought, climate change, keeping up with technology, getting a fair price, urban encroachment or pressure for land from infrastructure projects--seem to be endless and increasing. It is hard at time to keep going but somehow I do.

I'm not sure how I can help but I want you to know that you're not alone and I'm here to talk to anytime.

Agronomy101 · ‎07-08-2018

Thank-you Summer Rose. We now have a rural support thread pinned in "staying well".

You are right about the continuing pressures on people in rural business. I worry about people out here. I myself tried to be proactive about my mental health and get an appointment with my GP. Anyone who's been at that point knows how urgent the situation can feel. No such luck. No appointments for 2 weeks. This is what country life is like.

Just knowing someone else is out there and gets it helps. Thanks again

Summer Rose · ‎07-08-2018

Hi again

Thanks for the heads up about the other thread. I'll pop in and have a look.