LIKE most Tasmanian farmers, Regan Tucker did it tough over winter.
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A lack of rain and heavy snowfalls saw the Dunorlan famer lose several cows - circumstances that haven't helped his hard battle with mental illness.
Despite his struggles and a bleak outlook for summer, Mr Tucker has found strength in music.
Now, after a lot of hard work, the New Zealand native has scored a record deal and currently sits 16th on American country music charts.
Mr Tucker now wants his extraordinary story to serve as proof that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and agricultural depression can be beaten.
"[Winter] was probably the hardest weather I've ever seen in my career," he said.
"But there's always a way. As long as you don't give up and keep breathing, that's the main thing."
Mr Tucker spoke on Saturday about the importance of communicating in rural areas.
He said everyone had their own stress reliefs, but nothing was as important as confiding in family and friends.
"Everyone has a happy place, but communication is almost the top thing - you need to talk to someone," he said.
"For me, when I'm singing I'm not thinking about tomorrow, or the mortgage, or the broken fence. I'm just thinking about the song. The music takes the heat off."
The Kiwi moved to Australia almost nine years ago with his high school sweetheart Alison.
The pair have since raised four children.
Mr Tucker touts their support as the reason behind his recovery and his newfound success.
"Without them I'd buckle at the knees," he said.
"I believed in myself and my wife did too."
This week will mark Mr Tucker's 13th straight week on the American country music charts.
He has also managed to sell copies of his first album, The River, and has been invited to play at Prospect's Italian Club on February 16.
Since sending a demo track to Tamar Valley Radio last year, Mr Tucker has been approached by a band and he has started work on his second album.
"It's just about getting off the farm sometimes and doing something else," he said.
Mr Tucker and his band, The Regan Tucker Express, are accepting bookings via Mr Tucker's Facebook page.
Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of The River can also do so by visiting Mr Tucker's Facebook page.