IARN — To say farming is stressful, may just be the understatement of understatements. Even without trade wars or global pandemic, farmers worry about many aspects of their operation. Many of these worries are beyond their control. The stress producers face even during good years would be enough to seriously affect the strongest of us. During this time, many have felt overwhelmed and have looked for ways to deal with their stress. Many of these choices having permanent repercussions.
Now, there is another tool available to help farmers cope with the stresses they are facing. A collaborative effort between Farm Credit, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Farmers Union (NFU), Michigan State University Extension (MSU), and University of Illinois (U of IL) Extension helps people identify stressors, manage them, and learn effective communication techniques.
Low commodity prices, COVID-19, trade disputes, and weather have plagued the American farmer for years now. A class developed between MSU and U of IL extensions is available to farmers around the country. Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose says that Farm Credit has a mission to support rural communities and agriculture. Rural mental health support is an important part of that.
Van Hoose says that there is a stigma in rural America to admitting you have a problem or asking for help. The goal of the program is to overcome that stigma and make farmers realize they can feel good about asking for help.
For more on this story, including comments from Todd Van Hoose, visit the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
