As farmers, we’re no strangers to hardship. But this drought followed by frost has tested all of us in ways we didn’t expect. In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about what lies ahead. When you’re constantly battling against forces beyond your control, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
That’s why, in our latest podcast episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of resilience —finding the strength to keep going, even when you’re just getting by. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Hoiberg, founder of Lessons Learnt Consulting and a leading expert on emotional well-being and resilience. With over 30 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and communities navigate change, Dennis is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to handling adversity.
The Reality of Farming in a Drought
Right now, many of us are feeling the pressure. Paddocks and farms are dry, crop yields are poor, sheep feed is non existent and the financial and emotional strain is very real. Dennis acknowledges this upfront—he’s worked with countless farmers in similar situations. But what makes Dennis’ approach so powerful is that he doesn’t shy away from the difficulties. Instead, he offers practical tools and advice to help us find strength even when the outlook seems bleak.
Bouncing Forward, Not Just Back
One of the key concepts Dennis shares is the idea of “bouncing forward.” Rather than focusing on getting back to how things were before, Dennis encourages us to look ahead and focus on growth. Resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship—it’s about learning from it, adapting, and coming out stronger on the other side.
In the podcast, Dennis outlines some simple but powerful strategies that we can all use to manage stress, protect our mental well-being, and build resilience. These tools aren’t just for getting through the next few months—they’re about building a mindset that helps us tackle whatever challenges farming (and life) throws our way.
Practical Tips for Building Resilience
Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation:
– Acknowledge the Challenge: It’s okay to feel stressed, anxious, or frustrated. The first step to building resilience is recognising what you’re going through and accepting that it’s a tough situation.
– Stay Connected: Whether it’s your family, your team, or your community, stay connected. Lean on the people around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
– Focus on What You Can Control: Farming comes with a lot of unpredictability. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond to it. Focus on making the best decisions you can with the information and resources available to you.
– Take Care of Your Health: Just as we look after our crops and livestock, we need to look after our own well-being. Dennis shares some great tips for protecting your mental health during stressful times, like setting boundaries, taking breaks, and practicing mindfulness.
– Farming is a marathon, not a sprint: It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day stresses, but try to keep a broader perspective. Tough times don’t last forever, and resilience means thinking about where you want to be in the long run—not just getting through today.
Why This Matters Now
With the drought affecting so many of us, this conversation couldn’t come at a more critical time. Dennis’ insights are a reminder that, while we can’t control the weather or market conditions, we can control our mindset and how we approach the challenges we face. This is about more than just surviving—it’s about finding ways to grow stronger and more resilient as individuals, families, and farming communities.
So if you’re feeling the weight of this drought, or you just need a bit of extra support right now, we encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode. Dennis’ advice is practical, actionable, and deeply empathetic—everything we need to help us thrive through change.
Listen to the podcast Acceptance & Action – farming success amidst challenges here
Final Thoughts
Farming is one of the toughest jobs out there, and sometimes it feels like the challenges just keep coming. But with the right mindset, tools, and support, we can navigate these tough times and come out stronger. Remember, resilience isn’t about being tough all the time—it’s about adapting, learning, and finding new ways forward. And that’s exactly what Dennis Hoiberg helps us do in this episode.
Let’s keep moving forward—together.
