Information courtesy of the NFU
Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help.
Based on the farm stress program Michigan State University Extension developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, this combination of online and in-person trainings is designed specifically for individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers. It provides participants the skills to understand the sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress and suicide, identify effective communication strategies, reduce stigma related to mental health concerns and connect farmers and ranchers with appropriate mental health and other resources.
Join Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and Michigan State University Extension for a press briefing announcing a new program to train individuals who work with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and connect those farmers with professional help.
It’ll be held at the House Agriculture Committee at 1302 Longworth House Office Building in Washington, DC. Wednesday, December 11th from 11:45 – 1.
Those unable to attend in person may call 866-635-8412 and type in the code 2117311
Speakers include:
U.S. Members of Congress (other invites pending):
U.S. Representative Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee
U.S. Representative David Scott (D-Ga.)
U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-Ga.)
U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (R-Ark.)
U.S. Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS)
Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO, Farm Credit Council
Roger Johnson, President, National Farmers Union
Dale Moore, Executive Vice President, American Farm Bureau Federation
Mark Skidmore, Michigan State University Extension
There will be a Q&A, as well.
To RSVP contact Mark Hayes with the Farm Credit Council. Call 202-587-9053 or email markhayes@fccouncil.com
Or Ray Atkinson with the Farm Bureau: 202-406-3717, raya@fb.org
The Farmers Union contact is Hannah Packman: 202-554-1600, hpackman@nfudc.org