Farmers attending Sheepvention Rural Expo from 2-3 August in Hamilton will have access to free, practical health assessments, as the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) and Fat Farmers continue their partnership to strengthen health outcomes for farmers, ag workers and their families by bringing health checks direct to premier agricultural events.
The collaboration builds on successful field day programs across South Australia and Victoria, bringing together face-to-face farmer health assessments and the Fat Farmers’ purpose-built mobile health hub clinic, which provides a clean, private clinical space designed specifically for delivering health services.
The initiative is centred on making preventative health care more accessible for farmers, many of whom find it difficult to prioritise routine health checks during demanding seasons on-farm. The free on-site assessments provide an important opportunity to identify early health risks before they develop into more serious conditions.
NCFH health professionals are trained in the specific risks faced by farmers and agricultural workers, including chemical handling, noise exposure, fatigue, physical strain, and long working hours. This ensures that occupational hazards can be identified and conversations tailored to the realities of farming life.
At Sheepvention, farmer health clinicians will be supported by SISU health technology, enabling efficient, accurate and consistent health measurements, including blood pressure and heart rate measurements, cholesterol and blood glucose screening, height, weight and body composition assessment.
Together, these tools support a comprehensive and efficient health snapshot, helping farmers better understand key indicators of their health in a short, practical appointment.
Attendance at Sheepvention Rural Expo is supported through sponsorship from the Hamilton Pastoral & Agricultural Society and Iluka Resources.
NCFH and Fat Farmers acknowledge the importance of partnership and sponsorship support in strengthening access to preventative health programs in rural and regional communities, particularly in settings where farmers already gather.
NCFH Agri Clinician Jessica Fletcher encourages those attending Sheepvention to take a moment during the event to check in on their health.
“Sheepvention is a great opportunity for farmers to connect with others from their community, take in the highlights and displays from exhibitors, and take 20 minutes out of a busy schedule to check in on their health. These assessments are quick, practical and designed around farming life, and they can make a real difference in picking up early health risks,” Jess said.
To access a free health check, simply look out for the blue NCFH flags and the Fat Farmers Health Hub truck, walk in and sign up on the day.
For more information about farmer health support and upcoming events, visit farmerhealth.org.au.
* END OF RELEASE*
For more information, please contact:
National Centre for Farmer Health
P: 03 5551 8533