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NDSU Extension Helping Farmers Cope with Stress

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Poor growing and harvesting conditions, low commodity prices, trade wars and a shortage of livestock feed for winter all have been stressful for North Dakota farmers and ranchers. NDSU Extension has developed a number of resources to help farmers and ranchers cope with the stress resulting from the uncertainties in their profession.
 
The first step is to recognize the early symptoms of stress, according to Sean Brotherson, Extension family science specialist. “Before farm/ranch families can do much about managing stress, they have to know when they are experiencing it,” he says. “Much of the time, people do not know or give attention to what is going on in their bodies and in their relationships with others.”
 
Those early signs include rising blood pressure, a rapidly beating heart, clenched teeth, aching neck and shoulders, sweating hands and feet, and churning stomach. Read more.

TransFARMation: Faith and Farming

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With low commodity markets and continued harvest delays, farm stress is a reality. In the latest TransFARMation podcast, Bishop Bill Tesch of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has an acronym he commonly shares: ACE – Ask, Care, Escort. “Ask the question, offer care and escort or help them get to the services they need.” If you or someone you know is wrestling with a challenge that’s more powerful than yourself, a list of resources is available on this page.

New Radio Series Highlights Farmer Stress

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Prompted by the many sources of stress currently impacting farmers and ranchers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Red River Farm Network have joined forces to create a new radio and podcast series called TransFARMation.

The series is designed to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farm stress, as well as highlight the resources available. Local farmers, ranchers and agricultural stakeholders are featured, sharing personal stories and offering a message of hope.

The 60 second prime-time radio stories can be heard on all of RRFN’s 20 stations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota starting the week of April 8. In addition, the in-depth podcasts can be found at www.rrfn.com/transfarmation.

Resources Available for Families Dealing with Farm Stress

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The Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Committee addressed the issue of the farm economy and stress Thursday. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen testified in this hearing.

“I know farmers in all 87 counties of the state and my rings at 6:30 in the morning who are just having a hard time,” said Petersen. “We have a helpline, we have farmer-lender mediation, farm advocates; counseling is there and we want farmers to know we want to help them with the programs we have.”

Learn more