Tools For Today's Farmers

Derrick Josi is a 4th generation Dairy Farmer, but you might know him from his popular videos about farming on social media.  Derrick talks about the unique challenges of running a multi-generational farm and the different things he does to handle that pressure.  He also talks about the unique ways social media can benefit farmers.  You can find Derrick at:

https://tdfhonestfarming.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tdf_honest_farming/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCeoIS2pfSYZ8cFRuZt95dA

https://www.facebook.com/tillamookdairyfarmer

Financial challenges are a common stressor and many farms seek to diversify income streams.  More farmers are adding solar energy fields into their business model than ever before. In this episode we talk with Jerrod Bley, Clean Energy Program Director for the Adirondack North Country Association, about things to consider when thinking about incorporating solar energy fields into your farm business.

After seeing farm stress impact her community, high school student and western Boone County FFA Chapter President Jaden Maze decided she wanted to help.  Jaden reviewed farm stress research and developed her speech, "Stop the Stigma" for her FFA program in an effort to reduce the stigma of reaching out for mental health support.  Through the Rural Communications Project, she has talked about stopping the stigma at her county and at the state level.  Jaden joined the Tools For Today's Farmers podcast team to share her experience and how youth can get more involved to help.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall shares why he is optimistic for the future of farming and how to get more involved with the Farm Bureau family. President Duvall also talks about farm stress, how he copes with stress, and how the Farm Bureau resource "Farm State of Mind" can help farmers get through tough times.

Under former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Ted McKinney served as Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.  He shared the motivations and considerations that shaped his approach to creating policies and the pursuit of global trade opportunities, his appreciation for farmers, and why he is hopeful for the future of agriculture.

Educators from the Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team talk about how it's never too early to begin succession planning. They also share information about their upcoming live online series, "Keeping the Farm Resilient in Uncertain Times".  To attend this online three-part series, you must register by February 3rd -- more information and registration links are available through the Purdue Women in Agriculture website.

Dr. Jason Lusk and Dr. Todd Keuthe from the Agricultural Economics and Center for Commercial Ag at Purdue University discuss risk management options, interpreting Ag indexes, and share where to find the many Purdue programs and reports available to help Indiana farmers.

Andy and Sara Dillhoff talk about the many farm-related stresses they face, but find working to complete the many small tasks within the work itself can help relieve stress -- and that the overall pride of purpose of "the life" is a reward that makes it all worth it, year after year.

Dr. Joe Molnar, Professor of Agricultural Economics in Rural Sociology, discusses his research on stress specific to Farmers and shares resources and ideas to better cope and prepare for the variety of stressors in Farm Life.

Angela Sorg, a Health and Human Sciences Education with Purdue Extension with over 20 years of experience as a Mental Health professional, discusses the stressors unique to the farming community, healthy ways to cope with stress, and how Purdue Extension programs like "Weathering the Storm" can help.