Introduction Farmers face a range of factors that negatively influence their mental health and suicide risk, yet have limited access to appropriate support. Behavioural activation (BA) is an evidence‐based therapy that can be effectively delivered by nonclinical workers. Working with members of farming communities to deliver BA to their peers has the potential to overcome many well‐established barriers to mental health help‐seeking and improve outcomes for this at‐risk group. Objective This paper describes the findings of a co‐design phase informing the development of a peer (farmer)‐led approach for delivering BA for farmers living with depression or low mood. Design This qualitative study used a co‐design approach involving members of the target community. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis and the Framework approach. Findings Ten online focus groups with 22 participants were held over 3 months. Four overarching, interlinked themes were identified: (i) filling the gap in rural mental health support; (ii) alignment with the farming context—tailoring how, where and when we engage about mental health; (iii) the ‘messenger’ is as important as the message; and (iv) sustainability, governance and support. Discussion Findings suggest BA could be a contextually appropriate model of support for the farming community—given its practical and solution‐focused approach—and could help improve access to support. Having peer workers deliver the intervention was viewed as appropriate. Ensuring governance structures are developed to support peers to deliver the intervention will be essential to facilitate effectiveness, safety and sustainability. Conclusion Insights gained through co‐design have been critical to the success of developing this new model of support for members of farming communities experiencing depression or low mood.

Objective This paper draws on the principles of suicide risk safety planning to co‐design a farming community resource for preventing and managing risks to mental health. Setting This project was undertaken in the Great South Coast Region of Victoria, Australia. Participants A working group (n = 6–8) from the Victorian farming community contributed to the iterative co‐design and co‐production of Steering Straight: My plan to keep on track. Twenty‐four members of the farming community pilot tested Steering Straight. Design Co‐design to develop, pilot and refine the resource with working group and target farming community. Results Steering Straight was viewed positively by the farming community as a tool that prompts prioritising well‐being; encourages reflection, planning and concrete steps towards taking action; helps set and meet personal goals; is simple and practical; and identifies pathways to support. Most participants (94%) completed Steering Straight on their own, taking approximately 15–30 min to create their personalised plan. Questions most likely to be filled in related to recognising personal signs of deteriorating well‐being and listing and planning enjoyable activities. A majority of participants (67%) kept a hard copy of their Steering Straight plan on hand to refer back to, while 78% expressed a preference for a digital version. Conclusion The co‐design and co‐production process resulted in a tailored prevention‐focused resource that was accepted and valued by the farming community.