Tennessee Home & Farm Radio TN Home and Farm Radio

Groundbreaking on a new poultry research facility happened Thursday at the Middle Tennessee Research Center in Spring Hill. The facility will include four full size broiler houses, and a laboratory. The research effort is a partnership between Tyson and The University of Tennessee.

US House Agriculture Chairman, Representative Glenn Thompson, announced his version of a new Farm Bill on Wednesday, and plans to hold a committee vote on it later in May. Meanwhile in the Senate side Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan revealed her own version of a new Farm Bill. Rod Bain has more on how this is leaving people in the ag industry both hopeful and uncertain.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Chad Smith has more on ways to help someone struggling with their mental health in farm country.

Smith: Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and ranchers is an important topic.
Cabrera: There are just so many unpredictable experiences in farming, experiences such as natural disasters, lots of financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions. There's so many factors that contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers. And they also often live in a very isolated setting, which can compound the issue. I think it's really important to break the stigma around mental health challenges.
Smith: If you or someone you know is struggling, the Farm State of Mind website has many resources to help.
Cabrera: You'll find a national resource directory that is searchable. You'll find helpful tips like how to help someone in emotional pain or how to start a conversation with someone. We have videos, including video and radio public service announcements. We have a peer-to-peer support community resource called Togetherall. That resource offers a space for farm family members ages 16 and older a way to express themselves anonymously and to receive and give peer support.
Smith: Cabrera says anyone can be an advocate for mental health in rural America.
Cabrera: I would say the most impactful way to advocate for mental health wellness among farmers and ranchers is to let everyone know it's okay not to be okay. Just reducing that stigma alone, encouraging those who are struggling to reach out for help and to let them know that that is a completely acceptable way to move forward. Empowering people to believe that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.
Smith: For more information, go to fb.org/farmstateofmind. Chad Smith, Washington.

For 76 years Tennessee Farm Bureau Women have been coming together for their annual Women’s Leadership Conference to strengthen their knowledge and effort in promoting agriculture. This past weekend they gathered in Lebanon and as state Women’s Chair, Brenda Baker, explains there’s a heavy emphasis on bring women of all ages to the table.

Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry recently spoke at the Maury County Farm City Breakfast. He addressed the growing concern of losing farmland across the state, and the reality of learning to grow more food with less land.

Graduation day is quickly approaching, and there are several positions in the ag industry that needs filled. The interim Dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture discusses their efforts to train students to fill those positions.