Articles tagged under: farm stress
TransFARMation: It’s OK To Not Be OK
Published June 3, 2019
With weather, volatile markets and farm policy, everyone acknowledges that there is an issue with farm stress. Yet, it is an issue that people often don't talk about and it can be difficult to ask for help. Doug Kramer, who…National Survey Highlights Farmer Stress
Published May 2, 2019
Financial issues, farm/business problems and the fear of losing the farm are just a few factors impacting farmer mental health. That’s according to a national poll sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The survey says two in five rural…Durgan Appoints New Extension Task Force
Published May 1, 2019
University of Minnesota Extension has created a new task force to deal with farm stress and mental health issues. Extension Dean Bev Durgan says work has already been underway, but "I felt it was time to have a more focused…Soybean Innovation Campus Included in Ag Finance Bill
Published April 25, 2019
The Minnesota Senate has approved the agriculture and rural development bill. This finance bill includes money for the proposed Soybean Innovation Campus at Crookston. Committee Chairman Torrey Westrom says this plant will provide more crushing capacity for soybean farmers in…TransFARMation: There is Life After Farming
Published April 22, 2019
After a few tough years farming in the 1980s, Randy Koenen found a new career in farm radio. The decision to step away from the farm was difficult. “I was under immense pressure. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I…An Increase in Farm Bankruptcies in the Midwest
Published March 27, 2019
A report from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank shows farm stress and bankruptcies have increased in the upper Midwest. The Federal Reserve ninth district reported 103 chapter 12 bankruptcies in 2018, compared to 79 the previous year. Farmers in the…Farm Mental Health Bill Moves to the Senate
Published March 5, 2019
The Minnesota House has unanimously passed a bill to help farmers during this difficult farm economy. House Agriculture and Food Committee Chair Jeanne Poppe sponsored the bill. "The season is the reason for seeking funds today," said Poppe. "As winter…Managing Stress During Stressing Times
Published January 29, 2019
Farmers and ranchers take immense pride in what they do. However, being prideful can sometimes mean those in agriculture don’t always reach out for help. According to Ted Matthews, a rural mental health counselor with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture,…Lawmakers Hear a Personal Story of Survival
Published January 25, 2019
The issue of farm stress got a hearing before the Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Committee Thursday. Minnesota Department of Agriculture senior advisor Meg Moynihan referenced low commodity prices, health insurance costs and weather as stressors. "We are hearing from…