Te Puke Cricket Club president Stephen Crossan was a dairy farmer when he first came up with the idea of a cross-sector cricket game to promote welfare.

Now, workwise at least, his feet are firmly in the horticulture camp.

The annual farmer versus grower cricket match was started by Stephen as a vehicle to get the messages of the Farmstrong initiative to farmers and growers.

Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community.

It aims to help farmers, growers and their families cope with the ups and downs of farming by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.

It offers practical tools and resources which include topics such as managing stress and pressure, sleep, nutrition, keeping “farm fit” and scheduling rest and recovery time.

Crossan started the cricket game six years ago.

“The whole intention of the game is to get farmers and growers to down-tools and have a day away from the farm or orchard, get together with some like-minded people and have some fun,” he said.

Those involved in the primary sector are often renowned for staying in their own area and perhaps becoming isolated.

“This is forcing them to get off the farm and have some fun.”

Now a kiwifruit spraying contractor, he said his alliances have probably changed.

“Now I’ve had a foot in both camps, being a farmer, and now being involved in horticulture, and I know they are both stressful, pressured jobs.

“People tend to work hard and forget to look after themselves.”

He said the game is traditionally a semi-serious affair.

“Everyone’s playing to win, but I don’t think anyone’s going to have their head taken off.”

There is a core group of players who front up every year, and many of them have played in all the previous games, but there are always new players as well.

“That’s my goal – every year I want new people, to spread the message.”

Seeka has come on board as the main sponsor in 2025.

“They have provided some money to be able to make this free for everyone and provide food and drink for players and spectators so we can do this at zero cost.”

The game will be played at Te Puke Domain, home of Te Puke Cricket Club, on Sunday, with the first ball at 1pm.