Angling for better mental wellbeing: the Bayer Big Fish Challenge with Brad Stillard and Matt Tripet

When you're in the grip of drought, with livestock to feed and budgets to recalibrate, it can feel impossible to escape the business for a mental break.

But the Bayer Big Fish Challenge is giving farmers the perfect excuse.

It's an all-year-round nationwide fishing competition, which anyone can be part of, and every big fish caught raises money for mental health charity The Fly Project. A win-win!

Hear farmer Brad Stillard and program facilitator Matt Tripet share their personal stories, and how Bayer's initiative is fostering connections and strengthening the mental fitness of rural people across the country, one bite at a time.

Takeaways

• Fishing is an effective outlet for famers needing a mental break from their business and the stress of difficult seasons 
• The camaraderie built through an outdoor competition and shared experiences helps build trust and connection with others
• The Bayer Big Fish Challenge is proving to be a useful vehicle to reach out to mates doing it tough 
• Bayer's support has significantly impacted The Fly Program's reach

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the therapeutic benefits fishing to mental health

05:44 The Bayer Big Fish Challenge and how it works 

11:44 Camaraderie and connection in fishing

25:08 Overcoming mental barriers in farming

33:54 The impact of Bayer's support

Links

• Register a team for the Bayer Big Fish Challenge 
• Learn more about the Bayer Retreats and The Fly Program
• Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

This is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. 

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EvokeAG 2026:
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