Delaware Farm Bureau Creates a New Mental Health Initiative

Recognizing that farmers and ranchers spend a lot of time tending to their land, crops and livestock, but little time tending to their own health needs, Delaware Farm Bureau came up with an initiative to shine light on the importance of mental health. The “Healthy Farmers Grow Healthy Crops” marketing campaign educated members on mental health warning signs and resources for help.

“Healthy Minds Grow Healthy Crops” was launched in May 2023 to coincide with mental health month. Marketing materials were designed and printed to have at all events and in the Delaware Farm Bureau offices. The social media campaign utilized paid advertising helping preventative tools and care resources reach more viewers. A farm stress and mental wellness webinar was also hosted.

In partnership with Life Line Screening, a Delaware Farm Bureau member benefit program that offers screenings and health checks, Delaware Farm Bureau was able to offer in-person screenings for their members at various locations.

Strategic Action Fund

Delaware Farm Bureau’s campaign was funded through a grant from AFBF’s Strategic Action Fund. Through the fund, state Farm Bureaus with fewer than 25,000 members were eligible to apply for funding of up to $5,000 for public policy-related projects.

Several state Farm Bureaus – Idaho, Iowa, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas – each contributed at least $1,000 to the Strategic Action Fund for the 2023 round of projects.