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Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset

If you recognize that a farmer is struggling with the stress of everyday challenges, find out how you can help them by scheduling a virtual webinar or in-person workshop in your community today!

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Updated:

August 26, 2024

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Farming can be stressful. Challenges with machinery, weather, crops, animal health, finances, and the pandemic are all issues that farmers deal with daily and over which they may have little control. Developed by Michigan State University Extension, Weathering the Storm in Agriculture focuses on helping farmers and their families understand the effects of stress on the mind and body and how to manage it effectively during difficult times.

The Penn State Extension Farm Stress team is comprised of educators from multiple disciplines who understand and support the farming community. Besides this training, our team offers Communicating with Farmers Under Stress, designed for individuals in the community, agriculture industry professionals, veterinarians, loan officers, family members, and others who interact with farmers on a regular basis. It provides an overview of the stressors experienced by farmers and their families and shares best practices for connecting them with local, state, and national resources. Additionally, the team offers a workshop, Mental Health First Aid for Adults, created by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, about how to approach and assist someone with a mental health challenge.

In this workshop, you will learn

To recognize the signs of stress in the body, mind, and behavior.
To understand the root causes of stress or common stressors for farmers and their families.
How stress affects the body.
Practical coping skills and three strategies for managing stress.
Helpful local and state resources.