The wet weather this fall has added to the typical stresses experienced during fall harvest. Farmers: as you wait for fields to dry a bit to finish small grains harvest, lift beets and start on soybean and are waiting for corn to mature and dry down a bit, know that members of your family and your friends and neighbors are thinking about and rooting for you.
As you continue to wait for more favorable field conditions please don't think that you are alone during this stressful time. There are people, organizations and resources that are available to help. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of these resources on a printable brochure.
From the brochure:
Minnesota State FBM programs help farmers use their farm records and develop management skills to accomplish their business and personal goals.
As you continue to wait for more favorable field conditions please don't think that you are alone during this stressful time. There are people, organizations and resources that are available to help. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of these resources on a printable brochure.
From the brochure:
Help with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Feeling 'Stuck' and Crisis Situations
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
833-600-2670 x 1
Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know.Ted Matthews & Monica McConkey, Rural Mental Health Specialists
Rural mental health specialists Ted and Monica work with farmers across the entire state. No cost; no paperwork. The service is available thanks to funds from the Minnesota Legislature.
Call Ted: (320) 266-2390
Call Monica: (218) 280-7785
Mobile Crisis Teams
Available in every Minnesota county, mobile crisis team counselors can respond quickly and provide in-person, short-term counseling or mental health services during a crisis or emergency. Calls are answered immediately 24 hrs/day. Responders travel in private vehicles and generally arrive within 2 hours.University of Minnesota Extension
Extension helps families and small towns respond to economic, environmental, and societal challenges that affect rural Minnesota and farming communities. Its Coping with Rural Stress page points the way to financial and mental health resources, including online stress workshops.NAMI Minnesota
NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. They offer information, classes, support groups, and suicide prevention training.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call: 800-273-8255 (Veterans, press 1)
Crisis Text Line
Text: MN to 741 741
Both of these numbers offer immediate free and confidential support for people in distress. They give information about prevention and crisis resources to people who are worried about themselves or someone else.Help with Daily Living: Food, Heat, Electricity, Health Care, Childcare, Senior Programs
http://www.211.org/Business, Financial and Legal Help
Minnesota Farm Advocates
Call: (218) 346-4866
Farm Advocates meet with Minnesota farmers who have been through a natural disaster or who are having financial problems. They have experience with agricultural lending, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, and disaster programs. They can also help find legal and/or social services.Farmer-Lender Mediation
Call: (218) 935-5785
Mediation help for farmers who are having difficulties with a loan or lender.Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG)
Call: (877) 860-4349
FLAG provides legal services, referrals, and support for family farmers.Free, Confidential Financial Counseling for Farmers
Call: (800) 232-9077
University of Minnesota Extension financial analysts meet with farmers to help them make sense of their financial situation and explore options to keep their farms functioning. This is a free and confidential service.Farm Business Management (FBM) Education
Call: (218) 894-5163 or (507) 389-7263
Minnesota State FBM programs help farmers use their farm records and develop management skills to accomplish their business and personal goals.
Minnesota Rural Finance Authority (RFA)
Call: (651) 201-6556
Minnesota RFA partners with local lenders to offer a wide variety of low-interest loans for farmers.Not sure who to contact?
Call (833) 600-2670 (Extension 0) during business hours, or use TTY at 711.