Farmer uses $5,000 ram to start conversations about prostate cancer

Despite losing her husband and son in tragic circumstances in the space of two years, Liz Heggaton says she still has plenty to get out of bed for each morning.

Ms Heggaton's husband Craig died by suicide in 2024 while being treated for prostate cancer.

This year, she also lost her son James, who died in a car crash in Western Australia's Great Southern region.

The Kojonup farmer said her son had "stepped up to another level" after his father died, taking on much of the farming enterprise prior to his death.

Though she has faced unimaginable tragedy, the businesswoman continues to throw her energy into advocacy for both prostate cancer awareness and men's mental health.

Last week, at her annual Breeders Best Genetics ram sale, Ms Heggaton donated one of her Kojak rams — a self-shedding breed — to raise money for the cause.

Speaking to the crowd of bidders, Ms Heggaton paid tribute to her husband and son, and urged people speak up about how they are feeling during treatment.

"The last couple of years have been challenging to say the least, and without a doubt, Craig and James will be smiling down on us," she said.

"And knowing them — you will get a healthy nudge in the back while you're bidding.

"I continue my quest to drive prostate cancer awareness across Australia, and most importantly to encourage our men to start talking and start testing."

Getting people talking

Since her husband's death in 2024, Ms Heggaton has been sharing his prostate cancer story with as many people as she can in the hope of educating others.

"You can see how many men, partners and their families are in the shed today," she said.

"It is a perfect opportunity to get people talking."

Mr Heggaton was undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at the time of his death, something she believes played a role in the decline in his mental health.

ADT is a hormone treatment commonly prescribed for men with advanced prostate cancer, because it blocks the testosterone on which the cancer feeds.

While studies have shown a correlation between ADT and higher rates of suicide and depression, the link is yet to be proven.

While Ms Heggaton has said she does not intend to steer men away from the drug, she hoped speaking openly about her husband's struggles would help others.

Message clicks with crowd

Ram sale attendee Richard Avery said it was an important message.

"It is something in rural communities, men are pretty bad at, neglecting their own health," he said.

"They will look after their sheep, their family, but then they will put themselves last.

"It is great to see Liz and the family raising awareness for something so important."

Excitement within the industry

The ram, sold for $5,000, is part of the Heggaton family's broader journey, and reflects their positive sentiments about WA's sheep industry despite a challenging few years for the sector.

"I'm really excited about the future of the sheep industry, and where it is headed, it is really good space," she said.

"I know both my boys are watching over my daughters and I, and they would be so incredibly proud of us, and our crew we have here on the farm."