The Crop Science team has raised more than $30,000 in the 2021 Bayer Big Fish Challenge (BBFC) – an awareness and fundraising initiative for rural mental health and wellbeing. 
 

The year-long national challenge contributes $1 per centimetre of the largest fish per type caught per team to the Bayer AgSpirit Fund which helps rural Australians struggling with the pressures of everyday life in challenging conditions.

Bayer National Key Account Manager Ben Thompson said it was fantastic to see Aussies coming together to fundraise for mental health and to support farmers.
 

“The 2021 challenge involved an incredible 460 participants in 158 teams across Australia. The money raised will help fund AgSpirit Retreats –fully funded four-day mental wellbeing programs developed in conjunction with our charity partner The Fly Program." Mr Thompson said.
 

“In a continued commitment to rural communities’ wellbeing, Bayer has announced a funding target increase of $15,000 to a total of $45,000 to The Fly Program in next year’s challenge.”
 

The final winners for 2021 will be announced once this year’s program closes on 31 December 2021.
 

This year, an additional $15,000 has been donated by Bayer to The Fly Program to assist in the set-up of an AgSpirit Retreat for women.
 

The Fly Program CEO Matt Tripet said he was thrilled to see the expansion of the program.
 

“We are excited to launch the AgSpirit Retreat for rural women and continuing the support for all rural Australians in need," Mr Tripet said.

“We look forward to running the five retreats in 2022 and providing a space for farmers to open up and share their experiences." 

The new program starts on 7 January 2022 and will deliver additional events and prizes.
 

From this date, registrations open for the 2022 Bayer Big Fish Challenge encouraging farmers, growers and any other interested individuals across rural Australia to register on the dedicated app.
 

For more information about the Bayer Big Fish Challenge, contact Ben Thompson.