Published on the Stock Journal website – April 2 2025 – 8:44am

The SA Produce Market and state government will partner with Adelaide United to hold the third annual charity football match to raise funds to reduce financial hardship for primary producers and agricultural businesses in SA.

All funds raised will be collected by the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, with the match expected to raise up to $100,000.

The SA Produce Market, Pick a Local, Pick SA!, and Foodland, together with Bank SA and the state government, have rallied together for the third annual match where two teams – ‘Pick A Local, Pick SA!’ and ‘State Government’ – will take to Coopers Stadium as a curtain-raiser for Adelaide United when they take on Sydney FC on Saturday.

SAPM chief executive officer Angelo Demasi will pull his boots on with a mixed team of growers, wholesalers, and retailers who will play against a team of SA Ministers and parliamentarians, from all sides of politics, and government representatives.

“The annual match provides an opportunity for the industry to show our support to primary producers affected by and facing hardship,” Mr Demasi said.

“South Australian growers have faced challenging weather and biosecurity issues in recent times and have shown to be resilient and continue to provide the state with quality fresh fruit and vegetables and primary produce.

“This match provides an opportunity to show our continued support.”

Each player will be supported through donations to take to the pitch as part of the team.

Adelaide United chief executive officer Nathan Kosmina said the club was thrilled to back the cause for a second consecutive year and lend a hand in raising more funds.

Rural Business Support chief executive officer Brett Smith said RBS was honoured to once again be the charity partner for the initiative.

“South Australian farmers and small agricultural businesses continue to battle significant challenges, including extreme weather events, prolonged dry conditions, and industry shocks,” he said.

“Many regions have experienced their driest start to the year on record, while others are still recovering from the devastating September frosts that wiped out entire crops.

“The money raised from the charity match will go directly towards easing the pressure on farming families-helping them cover essential household expenses while they work through these difficult times.

“This support ensures they can focus on recovery and rebuilding, rather than just survival.”

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the match represented a wonderful opportunity to raise money for “our hardworking and incredibly resilient primary producers”.

The curtain-raiser will kick off at 4.30pm on Saturday, with tickets to available at Ticketek.

Donations can be made to the RBS Relief Fund via ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

Published on the Stock Journal’s website – March 4 2025 – 4:45pm

A special Adelaide screening of the movie Just a Farmer will raise funds for rural wellbeing support, and encourage conversations about the mental health challenges faced by farmers and their families.

To be held at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood, on Wednesday April 9, the event’s ticket proceeds will go to the Rural Business Support Relief Fund to support mental health and wellbeing programs for rural families experiencing tough times.

The screening of the Australian film will be preceded by a panel discussion with executive producer Leila McDougall and other special guests to explore the themes of the film.

Ms McDougall captured plenty of attention when the cast and crew behind the film attended the 14th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards in February.

She took to the carpet in a golden dress with the words “No farmers, no food” emblazoned on its front.

The state government and Primary Producers SA have partnered up to host the Adelaide event, funded through the state government’s Connecting Communities Program as part of the drought package announced in November.

The film sheds light on the challenges faced by farmers and their families – exploring themes of mental health, community support, and the unbreakable bond between people and the land on which they work.

PPSA chief executive officer Caroline Rhodes said it was a timely initiative given the challenges currently facing South Australian primary industries sector.

“Primary producers pride themselves on their resilience, but this is something that has been significantly tested in recent times,” she said.

“People are the most important asset on any farm. We sincerely hope producers and other people working in primary industries take up the opportunity to attend the viewing of this powerful film and use it as a catalyst to speak up about mental health.”

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said Just a Farmer was sparking “much-needed conversations” about the mental health challenges faced by farmers, their families and communities.

“I encourage people to attend our special screening of Just a Farmer at the iconic Capri Theatre and to embrace the opportunity to have a conversation about mental health, resilience and the challenges of rural life,” she said.

“This event is also an excellent opportunity to provide practical assistance for our primary producers in raising funds for Rural Business Support.”