A clinical psychologist, Kate is a Senior Research Fellow leading a team in the Department of Rural Health at the University of South Australia.
Kate's team combines what research shows is likely to help farmers change their behaviour and improve their wellbeing, with farmers' strengths, beliefs, and preferences, so that new strategies are more likely to work, be meaningful and be adopted in the real world.
Much of Kate's passion for this area of research stem from growing up on, and staying closely connected to, her family's farm near Streaky Bay in South Australia.
"I saw firsthand the impacts of poor mental health in our community, and the consequences of people not seeking help. What our research has shown is that farmers are really good practical problem solvers, but when there are things that they can't control, that does cause a lot of stress. It has also highlighted how important it is that we find ways to help farmers manage that stress in ways that are relatable to them," Kate said.
"We are proud that our research has resulted in improved scientific understanding of the mental health needs of those involved in the Australian agricultural industry, along with peer-reviewed papers and a lot of funding, but what is most pleasing is the real-world impact we know we are making, every time a farmer uses our free online resources to improve their own wellbeing.
Ben White, Kondinin Group's General Manager of Research, said mental health was a growing concern for the Australian agriculture industry and Kate's research was needed more now than ever.
"Farmers die of suicide at 1.6x the rate of the general population, twice the rate of other employed people and they are half as likely to have seen a doctor in the last 6 months than their non-farming rural counterparts. You cannot ignore the critical nature of Kate's research and how impressive it is that it has led to the development and ongoing delivery of tailored evidence-based resources for farmers," Ben said.
Kate is the Founder of www.ifarmwell.com.au, a free online resource designed with farmers, to help them adopt strategies to effectively manage when things are beyond their control, like the weather or market prices.
The online resource has been comprehensively evaluated and found to be acceptable, relevant and meaningful for farmers. Module completion is associated with significant reductions in farmers' distress and increases in their wellbeing that are maintained for at least 6-months post completion.
ACIAR is the proud sponsor of the 2022 Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research. ACIAR Chief Executive Officer, Professor Andrew Campbell, said not only is Kate's approach to her research exceptional but it is important to see people talking about the subject of mental health and wellbeing in such an open and supportive manner.
"Raising awareness of these pressing issues for the industry is significant. Kate is leading the way in this progressive research and by actually making the resulting evidence-based resources available for free online, she is amplifying the impact of her research," Prof Campbell said.
"It's great to see the importance of health research and social science being recognised in agriculture."
Kate's research is hitting the mark and she is being asked to speak at academic and agricultural industry conferences and serve on state and national committees.
"People are really starting to sit up and take notice of what is happening in rural and regional Australia, and also understand the importance of looking after their own wellbeing," Kate said.
"To be part of that awakening, and to provide tangible resources to help farmers get more out of their lives, regardless of the circumstances they face… that really is something."
