As milk price cuts continue to sting the region’s dairy farmers, a social group called The Junction has begun in Grassmere. The group is made up of dairy farming families and meets monthly for a social outing. 

The Junction founder Mellisa Lane said communities needed to join together to tackle the heartache caused by the dairy crisis.  

She is encouraging other dairying communities to tap into the model.

“If we can encourage other communities to replicate our model it has the potential to also save lives,” Ms Lane said.

“We have had one get-together and already it has had an impact, it was a chance to mentally reboot. 

“Most importantly, there was laughter and encouragement, which is the main driving force for this group.

Ms Lane said when talking to young farming families about the dairy crisis, the impact was palpable. 

“With dairy farming, you go in with your eyes wide open that prices change and world markets change.

“But the clawback is something no one knew was coming and it’s taking its toll,” she said.

“The idea of The Junction is everyone plans to put two hours a month aside to catch up and talk. Sharing experiences with others and seeing the resilience of people around you can only help.”

The group’s first function was a luncheon with well-being days featuring fun activities like tenpin bowling also on the agenda.