8 Broadcaster Press May 21, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Resources, Tools & Support Provided During SDSU Extension Farm Stress Workshops BROOKINGS, S.D. – Over time, the impacts of low markets and extreme weather can take a toll on South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers and those who care about them. In response, SDSU Extension hosted workshops across the state to provide agriculture producers, their family, friends and those who serve them, with the knowledge to recognize and respond to signs of chronic stress, which can result in changes in emotions and behavior. Uniquely designed, SDSU Extension hosted two separate workshops: one focused on agriculture producers and their families, the other designed for agri-business and service providers. Led by SDSU Extension staff who received national Mental Health First Aid training, the workshops focused on stress management strategies as well as support strategies when dealing with the impacts of chronic stress or working with those suffering from chronic stress. The first set of workshops were held on April 15, 2019 in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City. More workshops will be held on May 23, 2019 at SDSU Extension Regional Centers in Lemmon, Mitchell, Watertown and Winner. “I don’t think anxiety or depression is something people readily discuss. It’s easier to talk about concerns over the weather or markets – but these factors, which our farmers and ranchers cannot control - can have a lasting and unhealthy impact on them and their families,” says Krista Ehlert, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Range Specialist, whose position is based in the Natural Resource Management Department within the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences. Ehlert was among the team of SDSU Extension staff leading the workshops. She and the other workshop presenters traveled to Michigan State University to participate in Mental Health First Aid training, to be trained to lead farm stress workshops. They joined more than 100 extension personnel from 20 land grant institutions across the nation. “The economic and extreme weather challenges, and the impact the resulting chronic stress has on farmers, ranchers and those who care about them, is not isolated to South Dakota. It is nationwide,” Ehlert says. In addition to understanding the warning signs of chronic stress, the workshops provide some stress management techniques, emphasize the importance of self-care and encourage producers to reach out for support from family, friends or professionals. “Everyone has stress. You often don’t know what people are going through. Being aware of symptoms and how to communicate more effectively with people experiencing extreme stress makes a difference because you feel like you can help,” Ehlert says. Attendee feedback from the first workshops emphasized the value in discussing the topic, Stluka added. “As we talked with participants, and from surveys, they kept saying they were glad we brought them together to talk about this. We need to make sure our farmers and ranchers understand they are not alone.” May 23 workshop information Two workshops will be held May 23, 2019 at SDSU Extension Regional Centers in Lemmon, Mitchell, Watertown and Winner. Communicating with Farmers Under Stress workshop is designed for agribusiness professionals and service providers. It begins at 9 a.m. MT / 10 a.m. CT until 1 p.m. MT / 2 p.m. CT. The workshop is designed to help participants with the following: Build awareness around potentially stressful conditions affecting some farmers. 2Learn stress triggers, identify signs of stress, and review helpful techniques for responding. Learn techniques for identifying, approaching and working with farmers who may not cope with stress effectively. Learn where to go for additional help. To help cover costs, this workshop is $30 and includes lunch and handouts. To register, visit the Events page and search Farm Stress Workshop. If your organization or business is interested in having a workshop on site, contact Ehlert at 605.394.2236 or by email to learn more. Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset workshop is designed for farm and ranch families. The evening meal and workshop are provided at no cost to participants. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. MT / 6:30 p.m. CT and ends at 7 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. CT. Families are encouraged to attend and bring their children as SDSU Extension 4-H team members will provide programming to youth in attendance. During the workshop, participants will: Identify stress signs and symptoms. Practice three everyday strategies for managing stress. Make an action plan for managing stress. Find out where to go for more help and resources. Be provided with brief market and climate forecasts to be better prepared, informed, and ready to take action. To register for this free event, visit the Events page and search Farm Stress Workshop. Signs you or a loved one needs mental health support So, how do you know if someone you know, or love is battling anxiety or depression? Andrea Bjornestad, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist shares some symptoms to watch for among family and friends: Depression, hopelessness Withdrawal from people or activities they ordinarily enjoy Negative thoughts, including frequent talk about disappearing or death Strong feelings of guilt or low selfesteem Decline in hygiene or appearance Alcohol or substance misuse Stockpiling medication Easy access to firearms If you see the above symptoms or assume someone is struggling, don’t hesitate to get involved. “If someone is struggling with emotions such as sadness, anger, or irritability, socially withdrawing from others, or changing their behavior, don’t hesitate to ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves,” Bjornestad said. “Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. You asking, will not impact a person’s response or thoughts.” How to begin the conversation? Bjornestad suggests talking to the person alone and in a private location. “It is important to describe any changes you’ve observed in the person and to let them know that you care about them,” Bjornestad says. “After describing changes, you may need to ask tough questions directly including, “Have you had any recent thoughts of death and dying?” or, “Are you experiencing thoughts of suicide?’” If the answer is yes, the following resources are important: Help the person get immediate mental health assistance. Offer options such as the Helpline (dial 211) or Farmers Stress Hotline 800-691-4336; call a family member to come help and potentially take the person to the hospital; call a local mental health crisis team; call for emergency medical services. Do not leave the person alone. For more information, contact Bjornestad at 605.688.5125 or by email or call the Avera Farmer’s Stress Hotline 800-691-4336 or online. Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota soybean growers to participate in a farmer-led On-Farm Research Program. A collaborative effort between the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU and SDSU Extension, the On-Farm Research Program is producer-led and provides ideas and answers for agronomic issues facing South Dakota’s soybean growers. The On-Farm Research Program allows South Dakota farmers to double as citizen scientists, testing various products and farming practices in their own soybean fields with the intent to PRECISION PAINTING •Interior •Exterior •Commercial •Residential Quality Workmanship, Reasonable Rates Since 1983 CLINT TUCKER 624-4621 increase yields, ward off pests and diseases, and improve their bottom line. “Soybean producers are dealing with an overwhelming assortment of crop production, management and product input choices,” Strunk said. “More information is needed on cost-effective practices to control diseases, insects and weeds, as well as managing soil fertility, tillage, row spacing and other agronomic decisions.” Since producers are inundated with product choices, the best way to know if any of these products will work on their farm, Strunk explained, is to test them on site or visit the South Dakota Soybean On-Farm Research Program’s website to see if a research trial has already been conducted in a field near them. Let Our Family Business Keep Yours In The Go With: • Farm Filters • Hydraulic Hoses • Bearings & Seals Cox Auto 1007 Broadway Ave Yankton, SD 605•665•4494 835 E. Cherry St. Vermillion 605-624-0034 a ame Grevitce! S les & Ser Sa HEATING & COOLING www.larrysheatingandcooling.com Serving the Yankton, Vermillion and Surrounding Areas For Over 36 Years How it works The On-Farm Research Program provides easy access results to producerdriven research. Producers get to choose what product or management practice they want to study and evaluate on their farm. SDSU Extension staff provides personalized, one-on-one help to set up testing protocols, data collection and analysis and website result summarization. Program participants receive a customized report and recommendations for implementation within their operation. All farm and farmer information remain confidential. Results are shared online for all South Dakota soybean farmers to ac- cess and utilize when making management decisions. “SDSU Extension bridges the gap between university research and producers; we offer assistance in conducting unbiased on-farm research projects by providing information and application guidance for producers. Soybean growers who take part in the program have the opportunity to focus on what they want to evaluate on their farm,” Strunk said. Sign up today To sign up for the On-Farm Research Program, contact Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist at 605-782-3290 or email or Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist at 605-995-7378 or email. COUPON DC Lynch Shows 8 Rides for $ 10 Spring 1 Ticket Per Ride May 23–29 except Zipper (2) Additional coupons available from mall merchants MAY 27TH Early Deadlines for the May 28th Issues Deadline: Noon Thursday, May 23 Deadline: 11:00am Thursday, May 23 We’re all ears. 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