We all know that farming is a stressful job (even in the best of times!). To that end, Farm Credit has released a free online farm stress training program for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. To register for the course and learn more about Farm Credit’s efforts to improve farmers’ and ranchers’ wellbeing, visit farmcredit.com/rural-resilience.
Rural communities face challenges like isolation, lack of mental health professionals, and perceived stigma around seeking help for mental health concerns. And let’s face it, the past few months dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic have further contributed to the stress. Farmers, ranchers and rural community members need appropriate resources to help manage their own stress and support their friends and neighbors.
The Rural Resilience: Farm Stress Training aims to help individuals understand sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress and suicide, identify effective communication strategies, reduce stigma related to mental health and connect people to resources.
This training was developed through a partnership between the Farm Credit Council, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Farmers Union (NFU), Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), and University of Illinois Extension, and it was funded through the Farm Credit national contributions program. Originally available to AFBF and NFU members only, it’s now available to anyone interested.
