April is Stress Awareness Month, held annually since 1992 to raise public awareness of the causes and solutions of stress. Many organizations use this month to talk openly about the impact of stress and mental health. For many farmers across North Carolina, stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain are part of everyday life, especially as the 2026 planting … Read more
Summary: Cost-share programs for internet connectivity for migrant housing, PPE and counseling sessions for farmers, farm family members and farmworkers who are uninsured or under-insured is offered by the N.C. Agromedicine Institute. Farmers may want to check out the institute to see if these would be helpful to them. Recently, I saw some information about … Read more
A recent report from the Government Accountability Office points to an increase in the number of people showing signs of anxiety or depression from 2019 to 2020; from 11% to 38%. No doubt COVID-19 has added extra stress to everyday life, but resources are available to help, including an online directory for producers created by … Read more
Farmer stress is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. Particularly as I have been meeting with farmers and farm groups across the state. In talking with farmers, I see the worry on their faces and feel the weight they are shouldering as they look critically at their farming operations in light … Read more
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.” Sept. 15-21 is National Farm Safety and Health Week, and it is a good reminder that stressful times can add to the normal pressures of farming. Reconnecting with family, fellow farmers and friends to talk about farm … Read more
