At the end of the day… people won’t remember what you said or what you did… but people will remember how you made them feel.  They remember that you made them feel loved, safe, reassured, calm or hopeful.

The ongoing drought support from Australians have made farmers feel cared for, understood and valued.  It has given us the strength to battle on and reminded us of the importance of sustaining the agricultural industry.

Empathy is a fundamental aspect of humanity and the need for individuals to share their compassion has been seen on such a large scale this year.  The power of empathy is an action and ability to be compassionate and commit to relieving another’s suffering, also giving satisfaction to the provider to be able to make a difference.

Drought support has been vital and valued, whether it be monetary donations to charities, grocery items, emotional connections on Facebook or mental health support from charities and other organisations.  Farmers can’t thank the Australian community enough and portray the extent to which this is valued.  For every donated $1 value, the significance is multiplied to benefit the farmers by way of emotional support and affirmation to the industry.

Social media has provided a new platform for the emotional connection with complete strangers.  A platform that harnesses new friendships and still allows an understanding and connection never seen before.  The support provided to farmers is irreplaceable.  New friendships have been formed as farmers are emotionally connecting with empathetic strangers.

The power of this charitable support, through everyday Australians, has been enlightening for the agricultural industry and farmers in general.  To see the volume of people and businesses caring so much, proves the manifesto of the importance of empathy in action.  The capacity to show empathy is second nature and truly a wonderful gift in these tough times.

On behalf of all farmers, farming families and the agricultural industry, I want to thank each and every Australian person for their compassion and trust in us.

Take care, Karen.

“An industry that feeds you is an industry worth fighting for.”

~ Tierra Kessler