Pennsylvania livestock producers, as well as agricultural professionals who work directly with these producers, are being encouraged to take a short survey on how they are managing mental health and stress on the farm. The surveys are being conducted as part of a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture effort, funded by a USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Grant.
The Center for Dairy Excellence, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Poultry & Livestock, and PA Beef Producers Working Group are partnering with PDA to conduct the survey. The survey results will be used to determine a baseline to develop a library of resources to help dairy farm families and service professionals navigate mental health challenges. They will also be hosting several mental health workshops in the spring of 2022. Dates and details for the mental health workshops will be announced in the new year.
Surveys are confidential and anonymous, and individuals are encouraged to answer the questions and submit their responses by January 31, 2022. Question topics include issues affecting mental health in the agriculture sector, obstacles for seeking treatment, community support, warning signs about mental health conditions, and more.
To complete the short surveys, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/mental-wellness-survey to access the digital surveys. Surveys must be submitted by January 31, 2022. If you would like to be mailed a physical copy of the survey, please call 717-346-0849 or email info@centerfordairyexcellence.org.