Illinois Farm Bureau Tackles Mental Health Awareness from Various Angles

Jun 28, 2022

By Sunny Andersen

The lack of an organization that provided mental health services geared toward the agricultural population in the state prompted the Illinois Farm Bureau (ILFB) to partner with various mental health groups to provide mental health information and resources to farm families across the state.

ILFB kicked off this effort with the Illinois Ag Mental Health Summit, during which mental health professionals and agriculturists met to discuss the unique issues and challenges farmers face. ILFB worked alongside Illinois AgrAbility and University of Illinois Extension for the event, which focused on nurturing relationships and resource development.

Attendees of the Illinois Ag Mental Health Summit included doctors, mental health professionals, farmers and agriculture industry professionals. Panel discussions and resource sharing allowed for the production of letters outlining the importance of mental health awareness in the agriculture industry. Over 3,000 letters were sent to front line agriculture

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Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

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