All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has gone back to his farming roots to send a message of support to struggling farmers throughout New Zealand.
McCaw met with a number of farmers in Matamata last week with Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
In a video posted by Fonterra, the 142 Test veteran said farmers should ask for help if they need it.
"I realise things are pretty tough out there and the outlook for this season is going to be pretty tough. When I think about the tough times we go through in rugby sense, putting up your hand when things are a struggle and having a chat to someone, or if there are things that you're perhaps not sure about – asking for help is certainly a positive.
"There are plenty of people who want to help, they want to see you succeed, they want to see you do well but they don't know what they don't know.
"I just want you to know there are people thinking of you and realise there's a tough season ahead, but we're supporting you and want you to do well."
He'd hoped to meet more farmers, but was limited in time because of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, however, should things go their way there might be a few more visits, McCaw promised.
"When we get back from the World Cup, hopefully with trophy in hand, we'll be able to see a few more of you so all the best for the coming season."
Dairy farmers are currently facing a forecast payout of $3.85 per kilogram of milk solids, well below the break-even rate of $5.70.
Economists have estimated it could wipe $1.5 billion or more out of the New Zealand economy.
On the day the payout forecast was announced earlier this month, Fonterra said it would allow share-backed farmers the opportunity to apply for an additional 50 cents per shared-up milk solids for production for the season which would be interest-free for two years.
It would be paid back when the farmgate milk price goes above $6 per kilogram of milk solids.
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