General News
19 November, 2025
Energy, mining projects impact farmers mental health
As renewable and mining projects gather momentum across Victoria's agricultural land and the industry comes under immense pressure, concerns for the mental health of farmers have been raised by a recent study.
A study by Federation University, conducted through the Future Regions Research Centre in Horsham, delved deeper into the impacts of these changes on farmers in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee regions.
The findings were presented at a community forum in Horsham by Dr Cathy Tishler on Thursday, November 6, at the University.
Most farmers interviewed described themselves as farmers, rather than as energy producers or participants in the mining industry.
Some said they felt trapped between energy and food, but they believed that clean, safe food production should be a priority over clean energy projects.
The research project was initiated in response to discussions with the Yarriambiack Shire Council and the Southern Wimmera Renewables Research Association, and has found that the changing face of agriculture is having a significant impact on farmers.
Between February and June 2025, seventeen farmers were interviewed about their farming businesses, their experiences with industries in the region, and how they were coping with these changes.
Findings documented in the recent report showed that farmers reported mental health impacts linked to the loss of control over outcomes and deep uncertainties about the future of their business and family life, as developers seek an interest in the land where they live, work, and carry on the generational farms they value.
Farmers, regardless of their stance on new industries, acknowledged that the ongoing demands are causing long-term strain on them and their families.
They also cited that the ongoing distress was changing communities and relationships, reducing what they term as having always been a natural support system in the past.
Exhaustion was high on the list of challenges they identified as they navigated a continuing stream of government paperwork and changing legislation while continuing to manage their farming practices.
Farming they know, but dealing with unfamiliar processes around these projects made them feel they don't have the required skill set, leaving them feeling ill-equipped to manage the unknown future, they said.
One of the most challenging issues facing the majority of those interviewed was the failure of industry and government to grasp the importance of intergenerational farming, the traditions passed down, and the long-term commitment inherent in each generation.
"Failure by corporations and decision makers to comprehend generational learning and the special relationship between generations and their connection to the soil caused added distress," the report said.
Some described climatic events and extremes of market variability, not so much as a stressor but a catalyst for solidarity in communities.
However, they say the current stressors of renewables and mining have been the opposite, causing division, the breakdown in relationships, and the community.
"We can work with Mother Nature because we get to know her, but a decision by someone in an office; that's another thing altogether," they said.