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Support for mental health as a production tool in farming: An ambiguous loss perspective

Extension Education

Emily Krekelberg
Extension Educator
University of Minnesota Extension
Rochester

Abstract

Farm families face stressors to mental health that can interfere with production and safety for all involved in agriculture. Mental health burden in food production has contributed to disproportionate suicide risks among farmers for decades. Losses in farming contribute to stress in ways that increase mental health burden (Rosmann, 2016). One perspective that can help situate farming stress is that of Ambiguous Loss. An ambiguous loss is one that has differing physical and psychological components. For example, something is physically lost (like a farm business) but still remains in the psychological presence of a person or family (the identity of being a lifelong farmer or coming from a farm family). Ambiguous losses have long been stressors in agriculture (loss of animals, downsizing, personal injuries). An ambiguous loss perspective broadly informs family therapy and research, and in this program is applied to families in the farming industry. The current program stems from the revision of an early publication addressing ambiguous loss in farming (Boss, 2001, revised to Krekelberg & McGuire, 2021). This interactive program and workbook provide a framework for extension, community-based, and industry personnel to support farm families through difficult transitions. The subject of farmer risk and loss has garnered additional interest due to its application to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Train the trainer” programs have commenced, as well as pilot programs with farm families. Evaluation plans are in development. Opportunities exist for interested partners to join programming and evaluation efforts now in the early phases.  One major goal is to provide support to farm families through the trusted channels they are already using such as local extension educators and community-based agricultural educators.  In Minnesota, there are plans to train 60 facilitators across the state in 2022, who will then implement the program to 150 farm families. The project is a practical application of prior research to support farmers. Ongoing research will provide an opportunity to refine programming and better support farming communities. The current session will focus on sharing initial responses to the program and promoting opportunities for collaboration with academic, industry and community persons.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Emily Krekelberg, Jenifer McGuire
  1. Krekelberg, E. Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Center for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Minnesota, 55904
  2. McGuire, J. Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Minnesota Department of Family Social Science; UMN Extension Center for Family Development, Minnesota, 55108