A quick overview of what’s happening in some states
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Join Farms.com for a quick tour of different states to find out what items are making headlines in those ag communities.
In Ohio, the Farm Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University are looking for farmers and people in ag to participate in an anonymous survey about mental health and stress.
The 31-question survey is designed “to understand the stressors and mental well-being of farmers, farm family members and agricultural workers,” the survey’s consent page says.
The questionnaire asks participants a variety of questions. These include identifying factors that contribute to stress, if they’ve ever considered self-harm, and about access to mental health supports.
Anyone interested in taking the survey has until the end of the month to do so.
Colorado is moving forward with plans to bring an ag license plate to drivers in the state.
Governor Jared Polis signed HB24-1369 in June to authorize the development of a license plate celebrating Colorado’s ag heritage.
The Logan County Cattlewomen collected more than 4,000 signatures in support of such a plate.
Plates will be available as of Jan. 1, 2025.
The plate’s design features an ag landscape at the top with the words “Colorado Agriculture.”
Underneath the landscape in the center of the plate is a photo of livestock, with the words “Feeding The World” underneath.
In addition to the normal fees for a license plate, Coloradans must pay a one-time $25 fee which is credited to the highway users tax fund.
In Iowa, state reps are encouraging producers to use a free resource.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig wants farmers with hay or straw, and those seeking to purchase hay or straw, to make use of the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s free online directory.
“The free Hay and Straw Directory plays a role in linking Iowa sellers with buyers from within the state and beyond,” he said in a statement. “I encourage hay and straw sellers to promptly and regularly update their free listings to ensure the directory remains an up-to-date and effective resource.”
And in Georgia, a program run by the University of Georgia is helping veterans transition into life in ag.
The Farm Boot Camp offers free workshops to veterans interested in learning about agriculture.
The sessions will focus on farm business, land, equipment and labor. And there’s opportunities for veterans to learn about bee keeping, mushrooms, vegetables and cattle.
The first webinar is scheduled for July 17 from 12pm to 1:15pm ET.
Participants will learn tips and techniques to promote farm products and connect with target audiences.