Look Out for Friends and Family

According to South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal, the main focal point of the annual meeting is policy development. “That started in late summer when all of the county organizations started having their policy development meetings; it is truly a grassroots process.” VanderWal acknowledged the financial stress seen in agriculture today. “Rural mental health is a big thing for Farm Bureau and we’re asking everyone to watch their neighbors and family. If people start acting differently or acting like they are under severe stress, encourage them to get help.” VanderWal, who is the American Farm Bureau Federation vice president, said the commitment to the rural mental health issue speaks to the ‘Farm Bureau culture.’