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: Evidence-Based PRRS Elimination Methods - Dr. Brent Pepin

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Brent Pepin, Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board, explains how a systematic review of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus elimination methods is helping shape future herd health strategies. He discusses evidence-based farm and regional approaches, research gaps, and practical guidance to support informed decision-making across the swine industry. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to learn more: https://porkcheckoff.org/research/sys...

"Disease status sharing gives producers the opportunity to make real-time decisions that reduce PRRS prevalence and protect regions from new exposure."

Meet the guest: Dr. Brent Pepin / brent-pepin-dvm-ms-7988066b is Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board. After earning his DVM and M.S. from Iowa State University, he built extensive experience in swine veterinary practice, research, and herd health management. His current work focuses on disease control, traceability, and improving herd health across the U.S. swine industry. Listen to Brent Pepin on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.