As part of our mission to support rural communities and agriculture during this difficult farm economy, we are able to provide free, online, training materials focused on mental health and stress management. Today, on Mental Health Awareness Day, we are bringing focus to the stresses of farming. While farming is a stressful job, even in good times, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic turmoil have only added to farmers’ stress. Rural communities face challenges like isolation, lack of mental health professionals, and perceived stigma around seeking help for mental health concerns. Farmers, ranchers, and rural community members need appropriate resources to help manage their own stress and support their friends and neighbors. To help farmers cope, this free, online farm stress management course will help participants develop the skills to:

• Understand sources of stress,
• Learn the warning signs of stress and suicide,
• Identify effective communication strategies,
• Reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns and
• Connect farmers and ranchers with appropriate mental health and other resources.

To Sign up for this free course click here.

This program was created Farm Credit created a free, online farm stress management course in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Farmers Union (NFU), Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) and University of Illinois Extension.