In summer 2019, CFAES formed a task force to help Ohio farmers and their families deal with the state’s ongoing farming crisis, a crisis caused by record spring rains, new international tariffs, and low commodity prices.
The new Rural and Farm Stress Task Force helped bring mental health issues—and helpful mental health services—into the light, as did the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Ohio’s Got Your Back campaign, which launched the same summer with CFAES as one of its partners.
On Thursday, Feb. 11, from 1–2 p.m., as part of the 42nd annual conference of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, CFAES graduate student Kelly Cabral will continue to explore the timely topic in a workshop called “When Your Cows Are Tired of Hearing About It: Addressing Farmer Mental Health.”
Safe, open discussion
Cabral is a PhD student in CFAES’ Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. She is also a PROSPER prevention coordinator with Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology. In that role, she provides technical assistance to county-level efforts aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in Ohio’s communities.
“If you are starting to feel like your crops and livestock might be tired of hearing you talk about your farm, business, and personal stressors, this is a workshop for you,” the workshop description says.
“It is important to be able to identify the signs and impacts of stress, anxiety, and depression so that you can build a safety net for yourself and other farmers to prevent a crisis. Suicide awareness and prevention, though a tough topic to tackle, will be discussed in a facilitated format.
“Through open and safe discussion spaces, this workshop will help you recognize these signs, make an action plan, and provide you with resources and services that can support overall farmer wellness.”
Register by Feb. 8
In all, 10 speakers from CFAES and Ohio State, Cabral included, will be among the conference’s 60-plus speakers.
The conference takes place virtually from Feb. 10–15, has a registration deadline of Feb. 8, and includes three CFAES programs among its sponsors.
The conference’s registration costs vary. To register, go to the conference website and click on the box that says “Register now!” For details on the registration costs, click the line of small text below that box, “See registration pricing and scholarship information.” Also at that link are complete details on the speakers, workshops, and other activities.