Meat+Industry+wellness+and+Mental+Health+wellness

Student Name: Amanda Cripps Student Number: n8624402 Tutor: Steven Badman



Cartoonist John Ditchburn looks at the Federal Government’s compensation package to farmers who have been affected by the suspension of the live cattle trade to Indonesia. The cartoon highlights the mental stress of owning cattle and being resposible for their wellbeing during trying times in the outback. This overwhelming duty of care for the cattle which farmers have is either unknown or overlooked it seems as the government attempts to compensate the farmers for finacial loss in a very impersonal method. The routine question of “Do you have any dependents” is a complex question which further highlights the weight of the issue on the farmer’s mind and emotions and not just his bank account.

The public health issue to be discussed here is the mental health and welfare of beef producers in relation to the unique stressors they experience. The National Farm Injury Data Centre released a document in 2008 summarising the environmental, climatic, econmic and social stressors that farmers are subject to which impact their sense of wellbeing and mental health. Ditchburn’s Cartoon illistrates this in a quirky way that specifically relates to the the impact of the live export suspension to Indonesia in 2011. There is a reported increase in suicides since the suspension and its flow-on effects (National Rural Health Alliance, 2009). The mental wellness of people in these isolated communities is concerning and there needs to be effective interventions to help improve their mental health.
 * Public health issue:**

The importance of assessing the impacts of the recent livestock export policy changes is significant due to the consiquential impacts this has on producer’s wellbeing.
 * Literature review:**

June 2011 marks a time where Australian farmers were floating in sea of uncertaity, outrage and desperation. It also marks a time when the Australian Government suspended live export to Indonesia in a knee-jerk reaction to the public airing of video footage presenting inhumane handeling practices of animals in Indonesian abotiors. Following the suspension in 2011, the Exporters Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) was established in an effort to improved the live export supply chain with its handeling practices for animals orginating in Australia but traded in foigien markets (Keogh, 2013). With Indonsia being Australia’s largest live export market, the consequences of the trade disruption are still notable for the Australian beef industry and for those whose lifelihoods depended on it (IBISWorld, 2013).

These abrupt policy changes created uncertainty amoung livestock exporters and also importers causing a decline in confidence and investment in the industry. The Australian beef industry has also been impacted by other nations reduced quotas resulting in a drop of over 35% of all live cattle exports since 2009 (Hydros Consulting, 2011).

Interviews conducted after the suspension proved farmers were in a very bad state of mind about how they would survive the effects of the suspension. Mick Keogh, an executive director of the Australian Farm Institute, said “the biggest threat to livestock producers now is not drought, feed prices, disease or market volatility, but major business disruption…” He also went on to say that “"ironically, the live export suspension has resulted in more cruelty, in the form of the slow death of cattle by starvation, than it prevented” (2013). With no alternative market, the producers were forced to keep the cattle on their stations. A severe drought followed, adding to the financial strain on producers (Dowler, 2013).

This cause of events has set about a mental health crisis according to the federal Coalition (Hanna, 2011). Grazier, Nico Botha, of Moola Bulla station in Western Australia,, was so upset by the cruelty his cattle were going through due to the suspension, he planned to shoot the 3000 excess cattle he was running on his station. "Rather than let them starve to death over two or three months, I'm going to shoot them quickly,” he said. Nationals’ deputy leader at the time, Nigel Scullion, was particularly concerned with funding for mental health assistance for Australian farmers. He said, “... it beggars belief about the mental impact on someone who's spent all this time growing these cattle, nurturing these cattle."

The consequential flood of cattle onto the domestic markets resulted in a domestic cattle price decline of over 30% from July 2012 to May 2013 (IBISWorld, 2013). The significance of this is that at the time that this occurred, international beef prices were at historically high levels. The entire Australian beef industry was effected not only economically but also emotionally. A wide spread concern about the industry permanency crushed many occupations such as transport truck drivers, feed suppliers, helicopter muster pilots as well as the cattle producers themselves (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2013).

Drawing on information from an Australian Government Initiative “The Mental Health of People on Australian Farms – The Facts” a clear image of rural mental health can be formed. The findings of the study are based on data from the “National Farm Injury Data Centre”, “Workers Compensation Scheme” claims data and the “Australian Bureau of Statistics”.

The Initiative outlines the key risks for mental health problems which include life, work, environmental and social factors. Treatment interventions such as medical and mental health services are important however cannot alone reduce the burden of person, social and financial pressures associated with mental health problems. When one pressure is unrelieved for a long period of time, heightened feelings of stress and strain can become unbearable, contributing towards feelings of inadequacy, depression or anxiety (Fragar, Henderson, Morton & Pollock, 2008).

Economic pressure to sustain a viable business is a key determinant for mental health problems among Australian farmers. The table below summarizes the different reasons farmers gave in relation to business-related pressures. his is a crucial burden for producers in relation to the live export suspension and its implications. Export revenue fell by 11.1% for the year following the live export suspension to Indonesia, increasing the financial related pressures for cattle producers (Hydros Consulting 2011). Hydros Consulting reported on the “Financial Impact of Cattle Export Restrictions to Indonesia” for the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. Financial information was retrieved from several stakeholders including cattle producers, transport companies, stock and real-estate agents, councils and accountants. A framework was used to assess the financial impact of the abrupt loss of market for a stakeholder and also their capability to adapt in the short term. At the time immediately after the suspension, the price for cattle destined for other markets dropped from $2.10 per kg to $1.60 per kg. The overall average reduction in price for an average 320kg animal totaled $160 per head. Compounding this drop in revenue, the nature of a high fixed cost structure for producing cattle as well as additional transport cost to other markets, caused overwhelming financial pressures. The report refers to //Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization ( //EBITDA), this essentially being “a function of costs of production and sale price received.” The tables below show the difference in earnings between cattle exported live to Indonesia and the cattle trucked to be sold in the southern cattle market. This is an approximate 90% reduction in EBITDA.

Knowing the vastness of the economic difficulties these farmers have and are facing, understanding the adverse effects is more easily comprehensible. The report stated in 2011 that these financial difficulties “[have] the potential to cause social issues in communities affected by these events and is already causing social stress.” It is these pressures that have been found to place people at risk to mental health problems. Mental health is a significant problem with one in five remote Australians suffering from it however only 38% receive help (Roy, Tremblay, Oliffe, Jbilou, & Robertson, 2008). This has to do with limited resources and awareness however avoidance behaviors towards seeking help are also common in the rural sector. Social stigma is one major identified barrier towards seeking help for mental health advice. The public’s tendency to describe those with mental health issues negatively is the main source of the stigma (The Salvation Army, 2010).

Unaddressed mental health problems in farmers and farm workers have serious mental health consequences reflected by the uniquely high suicide rates associated with this demographic of the population. Suicide deaths in 2005-2007 were 1.3 times higher in areas outside major cities (National Rural Health Alliance, 2009). The influence that the wellness of beef industry has on beef producers and other dependent services is widespread. The industry powers the people, without relief from the pressures associated with the industry suspension, the people are powerless against the overwhelming adverse effects on their mental health.


 * Cultural and social analysis :**

The Australian social identity was historically based within its agricultural heritage. Being a provider of cropping and livestock, the ‘farmer’ was not only the traditional benefactor for Australia’s economy but their lifestyle also influence the social construction of masculinity, now ingrained within Australia’s culture. The media presents an idealized image of a rural male. He is framed to be physically and emotionally strong, able to solve any problem, no obstacle standing in their way (Judd, Jackson, Fraser, Murray, Robins, & Komiti, 2006).

However, the economic reliance upon the rural sector inevitably influenced Australia’social identity. This once idealized lifestyle has been marginalized due to the population geography and density in metropolitan areas and the rural lifestyle proved to be less than ideal for those living it presently. This contrast in the perceived and lived experiences of rural Australia remains extremely different owing to the detachment of the majority of our population from the rural sector (Roy et al, 2008).

These expectations and social norms influence people in rural areas to expect of themselves an enduring resistance to hardship and rugged egoism which in turn thwarts help-seeking behavior. This is particularly noticeable for males. Often males are more likely to shoulder the blame of any perceived ‘failure’ and inward frustration and disappointment can influence suicidal behavior (Judd et al, 2006). Other risk factors uniquely linked to farmers are the unrelenting workload linked with the lifestyle and also the uncontrollable defeat due to weather conditions or market volatility despite continual efforts. This seeming lack of control over such factors linked with running a successful business cause feelings of powerlessness during these times to crisis. Research about the personality of farmers indicated their great sense of duty (Sartore, Kelly, Stain, Albrecht, & Higginbotham, 2008). Family members confined that they had feelings of guilt and felt like a burden if they could not participate on demand in farm activities. This suppression of emotion leaves them vulnerable to suicidal behavior (Standing Council on Health, 2011).

Social stigma associated with seeking help for mental health creates a barrier towards getting treated. Having a past of having sought mental health services is associated with increased negative perceptions of the individual from others. One would then fear being labeled dependent, insecure, sad or weak as well as being viewed as having less control of their emotions (Roy et al, 2008). This stigmatization is strongly associated with the social norms of rural Australia owing to the historic development of ‘toughness’ within the culture.

This social stigma is common in the young male population of remote Australia. The characters associated with masculinity in the context of financial troubles such as being emotionally strong leaders contribute towards risk factors for suicide like feeling powerless, defeated, isolated, or not understood. Consequently, these un-addressed mental health problems contribute towards making young remote males at high-risk of suicidal behavior (The Salvation Army, 2010).

Social norms are also a very significant factor in relation to seeking help for mental health problems. Research shows that having an accepting and positive social network encourages an unhealthy individual to seek help. The attitudes of those people a person highly associates with will impact their help seeking behavior however isolation and lack of consultation of problems with significant others are common barriers towards seeking help in rural areas (Sartore et al, 2008).

Organisations such as ‘Tie up the Black Dog’ which aim “ to bring better awareness of mental health issues into rural and regional communities” are important yet recent interventions which help to revolutionize the social norms in rural and remote Australia ( Woods, Wood, & Carrigan, 2013). A wide spread understanding across the country of the difficulties remote people face can be significant in terms of their mental health. It was found (Sartore et all, 2008) that people valued the opportunity to share their distress, maintain connections and sense of community identity and also valued the need for broader acknowledgment of the role rural communities had. Accepting that this is a public health issue and not a normal condition that people should ‘put up with’ or ‘fight’ is the first step towards making a difference.


 * Analysis** **and own learning reflections:**

John Ditchburn’s cartoon represents the pressures a farmer experiences in having responsibility for their livestock during times of extended stress and uncertainty of their industry. It is clear from literature that financial stressors impact ones mental health is more ways than one. It is also clear that people suffering form mental health issues benefit from maintaining connections and a sense of community as well as recognition from outsiders of the difficulties they are facing. The cartoon represents the methodical and impersonal way that the government attempts to improve producers health and well being during financially demanding times. However increasing awareness on the issues that producers are facing and also about mental health itself are more effective long term methods to improve coping strategies.

It is also clear from a review of rural Australia’s cultural identity and social norms that the foundations of present mental health issues are our history. The cartoon describes this social tendency of being stubbornly strong emotionally and to be less inclined to share their burden that rural Australians have seemed to adopted. Shifting the problematic characters of identity could not only encourage people to speak out and seek help about their mental health problems but also reduce the burden they tend to carry.

Being someone who has lived in rural Australia for the majority of my life, this topic is very significant to me. The pressures of owing any business in a community which is based on livestock production can be overwhelming in times when the major economic flow from livestock production is disrupted in a large way. I have gained knowledge about how stress and unplanned disruptions come with any business however our mental health can suffer immensely if there is no support or treatment. I also found it insightful to learn about the history of the rural identity and how that also impacts our mental health. This is an area of public health which i believe requires more attention despite it being a small population. Livestock and agriculture contribute largely to Australia’s growth and economy however I believe the friendly culture and sense to community are aspects which could also positively influence all Australians.


 * Comments on other students work:**

[|"Red Dust, Forget Us!" -Heathcare Down Under by Ellie Weterings]

[|"Meet the Meat" by Brittney Nicholls]


 * References:**

BeyondBlue. (2013). Men in rural and remote areas. Retrieved 27 October 2013 from, []

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. (2013). Live animal Export trade. Retrieved 26 October 2013 from, []

Ditchburn, J. (2011). **Live cattle trade compensation. Retrieved 24 October 2013 from, ** []

Dowler, K. (2013, June 26). Live export ban’s cruel result. //Weekly Times now//. Retrieved 24 October 2013 from, []

Kolves, K., Milner, A., McKay, K., & De Leo, D. (2012) Suicide in rural and remote areas of Australia. Np: Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention.

Fragar, L., Henderson, A., Morton, C., & Pollock, K. (2008). The mental health of people on Australian farms -The facts. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety. Retrieved from, []

Hanna, C. (2011, July 5). Farmer prepares to shoot 3000 cattle. //Sydney Morning Herald//. Retrieved 24 October 2013 from, [|http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/farmer-prepares-to-shoot-3000-cattle-20110706-1h1q1.html#ixzz2j4IOfbSs]

Hydros Consulting. (2011).Financial Impact of Cattle Export Restrictions to Indonesia. Retrieved from Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry website, []

=IBISWorld (2013) Beef Cattle Farming in Australia Industry Market Research Report. Retrieved 26 October 2013 from, [] =

Judd, F., Jackson, H., Fraser, C., Murray, G., Robins, G., & Komiti, A. (2006). Understanding suicide in Australian farmers. // [|Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology], 41 // (1). 1-10. Doi: 10.1007/s00127-005-0007-1

Keogh, M. (2013). [|Live cattle export suspension aftershocks affecting all beef farmers]. Retrieved 28 October 2013 from, []

Keogh, M., & Tomlinson, A. (2013). Australia risks missing a big livestock export and animal welfare opportunity. Retrieved 28 October 2013 from, []

National Rural Health Alliance. (2009). Mental health in Rural Australia. Retrieved 27 October 2013 from, []

National Rural Health Alliance. (2009). Suicide in rural Australia. Retrieved 27 October 2013 from, []

Roy, P., Tremblay, G., Oliffe, J. L., Jbilou, J., & Robertson, S. (2008). Male farmers with mental health disorders: A scoping review. //The Australian Journal of Rural Health, 21// (1). 3-7. Doi: 10.1111/ajr.12008

<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Sartore, G., Kelly, B., Stain, H. J, Albrecht, G., & Higginbotham, N. (2008). Control, uncertainty, and expectations for the future: a qualitative study of the impact of drought on a rural Australian community. //Rural and Remote Health, 8// (950). Retrieved from, []

<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Standing Council on Health. (2011). National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health. Retrieved 27 October 2013 from, []

<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;">The Salvation Army. (2010). Rural & Remote areas and Suicide, The facts. Retrieved 28 October 2013 from []

<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Vogel, D.L., Wester, S.R., & Larson, L. M. (2007). Avoidance of Counseling: //Psychological Factors That Inhibit Seeking Help. Journal of Counseling & Development, 85// (1). 410-422. Retrieved from []

Woods, M., Wood, L., & Carrigan, M. (2013) Tie up the black dog. []