Sam Whitleock and Farmstrong
All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock, a name synonymous with excellence in international rugby, reflects on the profound connection between the high-pressure world of professional sports and the serene yet demanding life on a farm.
He asserts that many of the invaluable lessons he has learned through his illustrious rugby career are equally applicable to the agricultural sector.
As the most-capped All Black of all time, Whitelock holds a deep-seated pride in his role as an ambassador and advocate for Farmstrong – a remarkable rural wellbeing initiative designed specifically for farmers and growers.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of maintaining overall wellness in order to ensure that they can ‘live well to farm well,’ thereby fostering a healthier lifestyle within rural communities.
With a remarkable record of 153 international caps, Sam Whitelock recently surpassed the legendary former captain Richie McCaw in the annals of rugby history, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, his journey did not culminate there; he came within a whisker of making even more history during the thrilling 2023 Rugby World Cup.
In a gripping final match against South Africa, the All Blacks narrowly lost, which meant that Sam missed the opportunity to become the first-ever player to lift the World Cup trophy three times. Such an achievement would have solidified his legacy even further.
During his extensive career at the pinnacle of rugby, Whitelock has become all too familiar with the pressure and challenges that come with competing at such a high level. To navigate the inevitable ups and downs, he emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong daily habits.
These habits not only help him focus and maintain his performance on the field but also provide essential coping mechanisms when the going gets tough, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
What is Farm Strong
Many are hard to predict or control. They range from climate events like drought and flood to fluctuations in commodity prices, changing government legislation and new technology.
Along with these external factors, come the demands of running any business – financial and production planning, managing cash flow, hiring and managing staff, succession planning etc. These pressures aren’t going to disappear so it’s vital that farmers develop the skills and resilience to cope.
Research shows many farmers are great at looking after their equipment and stock, but, like other NZers, they can neglect their own wellbeing. As an industry, we can’t afford to let these pressures reach the point where they damage productivity and affect the lives of families.
Farmstrong is an initiative to help farmers, growers and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.
Here are some helpful resources about Farmstrong