b'Need Resources on Mental Health? These Might HelpMake sure youre armed with the right information before a crisis hits.Ally RodenIN RECENT YEARS,factors such as climate change, natu- and Rural Stress Hotline to offer a helping hand to farmers dealing ral disasters, the economy and COVID-19 have taken a tollwith mental health issues. The line connects growers with Averas on overall mental health. While the acknowledgment of mentalmental health professionals to determine the best course of action health in agriculture has increased, now more than ever, farmers,and which steps to take. The hotline is free and confidential.salespeople, lab technicians and all involved in growing food and fiber need support. 4. Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline: 1-800-691-4336Unstable production conditions, shifting market prices andThe National Farmers Union created the Farm Crisis Center to uncertainty in relation to trade and tariff policies create a life ofprovide a directory of national and local resources for struggling instability for farmers. While May is designated Mental Healthfarmers. The directory includes national disaster resources, pan-Awareness Month, talking about mental health is something thatdemic resources and more.needs to happen yearlong to recognize the daily struggles of agri- Even in the best of times, farming can be an incredibly high-culturists and offer support and resources for that community. stress occupation. Unpredictable weather, crop disease, volatile Reducing stigmas starts with information and education. Seedmarkets, heavy workloads, and social isolation are just a hand-World has compiled some resourcesfive resources to helpful of the challenges that farmers may face, shared the Farm your customers in crisis and three podcasts on mental healthCrisis Center. National Farmers Union compiled the following educationto help. resources to help farmers through stressful times.Resources for Crisis 5. Do More Agriculture Foundation1. Farmer Resource Network Do More Agriculture Foundation (domore.ag) is a Canadian not-Farmer Resource Network (farmerresourcenetwork.force. for-profit organization that provides resources and workshops com) is a nonprofit organization, online directory that containsto allow producers to take care of their mental wellbeing. The more than 750 organizations that work closely with farmersfoundation also educates professionals outside of the agriculture nationwide on a multitude of issues. The free search tool caterscommunity to spread awareness.towards farmers, farm communities and farming families in theAgriculture is an industry steeped in hard work and resilience; United States. these traits can make it hard for producers to talk about mental health. We want to help break down the barriers surrounding 2. Farm Aid Hotline 1-800-FARM-AID talking about mental health and work together to end the stigma The Farm Aid Hotline offers mental health aid Monday throughthat keeps people from reaching out when they need support Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, for U.S. residents. Help isand/or starting a conversation with someone they think is strug-also available through the Farmer Services team email service.gling, shared Megz Reynolds, executive director of Do More Ag.Advocates refer farmers to a network of support organizationsWorkshops available from the organization include the Talk, across the country. Ask Listen Workshop, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Whether you have been farming for a few years or decadesAgCulture.we welcome your call, our team will listen and point you in the right direction, stated the Farm Aid website. Resources on Mental Health EducationCOVID did a number on mental health both in the U.S. and 3. Farm and Rural Stress Hotline globally. According to Mental Health America, just prior to the Avera Health System, based in South Dakota, created the FarmCOVID-19 pandemic, 19.86% of adults experienced a mental 50/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2022'