County Farm Bureaus Focus on Mental Health and Relationships with Law Enforcement

By Sunny Andersen

Through its annual County Activities of Excellence Awards, the American Farm Bureau Federation celebrates county Farm Bureaus for their unique, volunteer-driven programming. The following counties were among 18 recognized for their programs and activities in 2020 and 2021. The programs featured here focused on public relations.

Agriculture Training for Law Enforcement

Cass County

Minnesota

Knowing how critical it is that farmers, ranchers and others in rural communities have a strong relationship with local law enforcement, Cass County (Minnesota) Farm Bureau assisted a local law enforcement cadet school with their Skills Training Course. CCFB designed curriculum and organized an Agriculture Training Field Day for the 2021 class of law enforcement cadets at a local technical and community college.

You’re Not Alone

Daviess County

Kentucky

Daviess County (Kentucky) Farm Bureau partnered with a local hospital to raise mental health awareness in the community. “You’re Not Alone” emphasizes the importance of connecting with others and asking for help.

Due to the pandemic and lower commodity prices, as well as the normal stress of farming, DCFB decided to help those who provide for us every day.

The goal of the program is to reduce the stigma around reaching out for help and to inform rural communities that it is okay to talk to someone when struggling. “You’re Not Alone” focuses on informing farmers that their mental health is as important and necessary as their physical health.

This message was shared across the county through banners on the main highways and radio advertisements.

Sunny Andersen, a senior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is an intern in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications Department.