Often explained as constant tiredness or weakness, fatigue can have both physical and mental effects. Being fatigued is not the same as feeling drowsy, or tired after a busy day. It's more a feeling of pushing yourself through the day, every day.

It is very important farmers keep in touch with family, neighbours or colleagues during busy times and make sure they have reliable communications equipment and a regular system of checking on isolated workers.

Having a well-thought-out emergency plan should anyone come to harm is also very advisable. Working on a farm can be dangerous and fatigue can lead to accidents. Remember to look after your body as well as your farm.

Symptoms can be confused with everyday life, but it's usually a combination of more than a few that indicate fatigue, such as headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, slow reflexes and reactions, poor concentration, feeling irritable, moody and short tempered, aching, weak muscles, feeling tired all over or sleepy, and micro-sleeps.

Being aware of the causes of fatigue can help farmers stop fatigue before it happens. Not getting enough sleep, working long hours during harvesting, stress, depression, not eating well, grief and loss, some illnesses or medications and alcohol or drug use could all contribute to feeling fatigued.

If possible, farmers need a good night's sleep every night, regular physical exercise, healthy food and plenty of water, to limit or avoid alcohol and other drugs and reduce caffeine intake (tea, coffee, cola).

Also, it costs nothing to talk. If you just need a mate to chat to or someone to listen, reach out to the Rural Outreach Team on 1300 OUTREACH (1300 688 732). They can talk through anything with you and help link you into the appropriate services if needed.

For more on farmers safety and health visit The National Centre for Farmer Health website https://www.farmerhealth.org.au/