MDA, Partners Offer Free Workshops to Support Farmers in Times of Stress

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partners in the Minnesota Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign are offering free mental health and suicide-prevention trainings in communities across Minnesota this fall. The workshops will teach people who live and work in agricultural communities how to recognize when someone may be struggling and help connect them with support.

"Sadly, farmers have long faced higher-than-average suicide rates. Given the adversity and uncertainties producers have been facing, we need to be concerned about each other," said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "A family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, or anyone who regularly interacts with a farmer may be the first to notice that they’re struggling. These two workshops can help take the mystery out of wondering what to say to someone you’re really worried about."

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Agriculture is a two-hour evidence-based workshop that teaches three steps to recognize warning signs, engage in supportive conversations, and connect someone at risk to appropriate care and life-saving resources. The workshop can serve as an introduction to suicide prevention or reinforce skills for people who may have participated in similar training before.

Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) is a two-hour interactive workshop that teaches participants how to start a caring conversation with someone who seems sad, withdrawn, or not quite themselves. Using a seven-question guide, participants learn how to help someone who may be moving toward a mental-health crisis turn their own trajectory back toward a place of wellness.

Others who interact with farmers are encouraged to attend, including crop consultants, agricultural lenders, insurance adjusters, Extension educators, county and township officials, rural clergy, agricultural cooperative and other rural business owners, state and federal agency staff, veterinarians, and others. There is no charge to attend.

The following dates are scheduled.

QPR for Agriculture:

Sept. 15, 10 a.m.–noon, New Ulm
Sept. 16, 10 a.m.–noon, Mora
Sept. 17, 10 a.m.–noon, Waite Park
Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Worthington
Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Rochester
Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-noon, Albert Lea
Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–noon, Fergus Falls
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.–noon, Willmar
Oct. 13, 10 a.m.–noon, Buffalo
Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–noon, Ada
Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Marshall
Oct. 23, 10 a.m.–noon, Thief River Falls

COMET:

Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–noon, Cloquet
Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–noon, Grand Rapids
Oct. 20, 10 a.m.–noon, Willmar
Oct. 29, 10 a.m.–noon, Austin
Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–noon, Crookston

Visit the Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness Workshops page on Eventbrite to view available dates and register. More dates may be added.

The Minnesota Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign launched earlier this year to connect farmers and others in agriculture with effective, nonjudgmental support. The campaign is underwritten by the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture, Minnesota Grocers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, Second Harvest Heartland, and University of Minnesota Extension.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone who may be considering suicide can call or text the 988 Lifeline. Farmers and rural residents experiencing stress also can reach a listening ear at the free and confidential Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670. Additional agricultural mental health, stress, and financial resources are available at mnfarmstress.com.

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
(651) 238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us

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