In the agriculture industry, farmer’s mental health is a topic that can not be highlighted enough. To encourage open communication, the Commodity Classic and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters have produced a podcast program dealing with farm stress and mental health. The program entitled “Mental Health on the Farm” features four panelists, each with a unique and personal perspective on the issue.
The program, which is already online, is available as a full-length podcast for download (49 minutes) or in four individual episodes ranging in length from 11 to 13 minutes that can be played right on the Commodity Classic website. In addition to the program being available online, several radio stations across the Midwest will also be airing the program and/or offering it on their streaming or podcast platforms this week to promote the program and reach more farmers.
The program panelists include:
- Ted Matthews, a rural mental health professional from Minnesota with more than 30 years’ experience;
- Adrienne DeSutter, an Illinois farm wife who holds a master’s degree in counseling;
- Lowell Neitzel, a Kansas farmer who shares his story of struggling with depression; and
- Jason Medows, a Missouri cattle farmer and pharmacist who has created a rural mental health podcast entitled “Ag State of Mind.”
The launch of the farmer’s mental health podcast coincides with the upcoming 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic, which is being delivered digitally March 2 to 5, 2021. This year’s event focuses on education with more than 50 educational sessions on the schedule, including Learning Center sessions, What’s New Sessions, three Executive Roundtables and two General Sessions.
Registration is free to the first 5,000 farmers and $20 for all others. Registration is available online on the Commodity Classic website.
