Guest Blog by Emma Joyce, UNH Extension
UNH Extension is collaborating with the American Farm Bureau and the New Hampshire Farm Bureau to generate awareness around mental health issues and provide support to farmers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed increased stress upon the agricultural community. Farmers must navigate new health protocols and adapt to a changing economic landscape while experiencing greater isolation, due to social distancing.
Where can farmers turn to for help? Each other.
In a new campaign called Farming Together (using the hashtag #FarmingTogether on social media), UNH Extension and the Farm Bureau are encouraging farmers to connect with one another during these challenging times.
Josh Marshall, communications director for the NH Farm Bureau, said, “Farming is a stressful job in the best of times, but our greatest allies in mitigating that stress are our fellow farmers. We’re challenging farmers to pick up the phone and check in on one of their peers. A simple, ‘How are you doing?’ is a great way to be there for your farming friends and to show that we are all farming together.”