Eighteen people participated in Sustainable Farm Families, which included a health assessment and workshops on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, farm-workplace related disease and injury, stress and nutrition.

"There were some cases where participants had significant risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis, which were identified at the workshops, which could have otherwise gone unchecked," registered nurse Brett Vallance of Ballarat Community Health

Service said.

Results from 963 farmers who participated in workshops last year revealed 73 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women were classified as overweight or obese, instantly putting them into a high-risk category for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Just over one-third of participants were also identified as having high-blood pressure.

"The workshops were excellent. I certainly learnt about my risk factors for major diseases and the impact of injury and accidents on my farm business," participant Norah Campbell said.

"We all received a health assessment and the workshop sessions were interactive, and everyone enjoyed themselves."

High-risk participants were referred for a follow-up with health professionals and the workshops provided an opportunity for farmers to understand their own health risks, how to manage them and how to integrate them into farming life.

Participants were encouraged to complete another two-day workshop in 12 months time. They would receive another health assessment at that time so they can track their health indicators over time.

Sustainable Farm Families is an award-winning initiative of Western District Health Service, Hamilton, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Department of Human Services and Ballarat Community Health Centre.