Mending the Stress Fence for the Agriculture Community

Agriculture ranks among one of the most stressful and hazardous industries. Farmers face numerous risks, including personal injuries, extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, machine breakdowns and rollovers, disease outbreaks in their herds or flocks, and fluctuating crop prices. Managing these challenges can create undue stress on the farmer and farm family.

Penn State Extension invites you to attend, Mending the Stress Fence, a 30-minute webinar, developed by Michigan State University Extension in response to the increasing levels of stress in the farming community.

In this workshop, you will learn about:

• The signs and symptoms of stress in agriculture
• The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
• How to ask open-ended questions
• The warning signs of suicide
• Access to resources to help support someone in need

Virtual webinars and in-person workshops are available upon request.

Who should attend this workshop: 

• Agriculture industry professionals
• Loan officers
• Family members of farmers
• Concerned citizens

The Penn State Extension Farm Stress team, comprised of educators from multiple disciplines, understands and supports the farming community.

In addition to the Mending the Stress Fence webinar, our team offers:

• Communicating with Farmers Under Stress, a workshop designed for individuals in the community, agriculture industry professionals, veterinarians, loan officers, family members, and others who regularly interact with farmers. This 2-hour workshop provides an overview of the stressors experienced by farmers and their families, strategies for responding, and best practices to connect those affected with local, state, and national resources.
• Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset, another 2-hour workshop to help farmers and farm families understand the effects of stress on the mind and body and how to manage it effectively during difficult times. 

The Farm Stress team encourages anyone who wants to know more about mental wellness, reducing the stigma of mental health and substance use challenges, and how to approach and assist someone with a mental health challenge to attend the Mental Health First Aid webinar through Penn State Extension. This 8-hour, evidence-based webinar was created by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Contact the Farm Stress team below for more information on scheduling training for your organization.

Abbie Spackman – aes5450@psu.edu

Adriana Murillo-Williams – azm1119@psu.edu

Amber Hughes – apd5853@psu.edu

Christi Powell – cug137@psu.edu

Chi Catalone – cjb7092@psu.edu

Cynthia Fisher – ckb139@psu.edu

Cynthia Pollich – cep5@psu.edu

Elise Gurgevich – eag107@psu.edu

Ginger Fenton – gdc3@psu.edu

Jacqueline Zitzelberger – jla17@psu.edu

Jill Varner – juv373@psu.edu

Linda Fetzer – lmf8@psu.edu

Malu Tejada – mzt398@psu.edu 

Sonya Nace – srr259@psu.edu