South Dakota State University Extension is hosting virtual farm stress workshops throughout the summer to promote mental health awareness.
Anyone who is a producer, engaged in the agricultural industry or has close ties to a rural community is invited to attend.
The farm stress webinar series will be held at noon CST/11am MT the first Tuesday of each month.
- July 6: “Mindfulness,” Amber Letcher, Associate Professor and SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist
- Aug. 3: “Achieving Optimal Wellness,” Hope Kleine, SDSU Extension Health Education and Food Safety Field Specialist
- Sept. 7: “Suicide Prevention,” Andrea Bjornestad, Associate Professor and SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist
There is no fee to attend, but participants will need to register for the monthly webinars on the SDSU Extension Events page. Confirmation Zoom links and reminders will be emailed to attendees.
SDSU Extension Specialists Krista Ehlert and Heather Gessner officially kicked off the programming (during SDSU Extension’s Drought Hour May 10, 2021) with their presentation, “Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset” . The recorded webinar can be viewed on SDSU Extension’s YouTube channel. Topics covered include what stress is, techniques for managing stress and what to do in times of a mental health crisis.
SDSU Extension is also part of the North Central Farm and Ranch Assistance Center, a 12-state collaborative based at University of Illinois that works to expand access to and knowledge of mental health resources. The center has recently launched the website, FarmStress.org, to provide the agricultural community with resources and support by state and topic, including crisis numbers, telephone hotlines and training.
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