MARION, Ill. – Farming can be stressful. Many face financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, farm transfer issues, production challenges, and more. Farmers may struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, indecision, or suicidal thoughts, but help is available!

Illinois Extension is partnering with local Farm Bureaus to offer free workshops to help local farmers and their families. Participants can enjoy a free breakfast with fellow farmers and leave with an understanding of the signs and symptoms of chronic stress. Individuals will also receive resources on handling stress for a more productive mindset on the farm. Family Life Educator Robin Ridgley will lead the program.

“Local farmers take care of their communities, and we know this can take a toll on them. From unpredictable weather patterns to the rising cost of goods, farming is stressful,” said Ridgley. “Our Weathering the Storm program is a way to come full circle and provide resources for our farmers to let them know we care about them.”

Each program begins at 8:30 a.m. on the following dates:

• Jan. 10 - Jackson County Extension Office (402 Ava Rd., Murphysboro, IL 62966) - The Jackson County event is being postponed. Watch for a new date/time.
• Jan. 19 - Williamson County Extension Office (1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion, IL 62959)
• Jan. 25 - Perry County Extension Office (203 North Walnut, Pinckneyville, IL 62274)
• Jan. 26 - Randolph County Extension Office (1403 N. Hillcrest Drive, Sparta, IL 62286)
• Jan. 27 - Franklin County Extension Office (1212 Route 14 West, Benton, IL 62812)

For more details or to register for one of the workshops, please visit go.illinois.edu/WeatheringTheStorm or contact Robin Ridgley at (618) 993-3304 or rridgley@illinois.edu.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Robin Ridgley at rridgley@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Robin Ridgley, family life educator, rridgley@illinois.edu, (618) 993-3304

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.