Harvesting Healthy Minds

On the morning of Sept. 6, 2023 the Highland County Fairgrounds was the setting for the 3rd annual Harvesting Healthy Minds. During this event, attendees are invited in for fellowship, breakfast, and a short program focused on health and wellness in agriculture.

Dr. Michael Rosman led the conversation this year with an emphasis on understanding where we were, where we are now and where we need to go as we evaluate the vital intersection of agriculture and mental health. On the American Farm Bureau’s Farm State of Mind initiative website, it states, “Farmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable talking about stress and mental health challenges with others, and stigma around seeking help or treatment has decreased in rural and farm communities, but it is still a factor.” Thus, we still have work to do!

The Harvesting Health Minds event aims to support local mental health programs for farmers and their families, right here in our own agricultural community.  Following Dr. Rosman’s discussion, Ohio Farm Bureau Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations Ty Higgins moderated a Q&A alongside Nathan Brown. Nathan Brown, from Highland County, is a strong advocate for mental health in agriculture and currently serves on the Ohio Farm Bureau State Board of Trustees, representing Adams, Brown Clermont and Highland counties.  

This collaborative event was made possible by partnerships with the Highland County Community Action,  Hope House Christian Counseling Center, Ohio Department of Mental Health, OSU Extension, Highland County District Hospital, Highland County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Highland County Health Department, Highland County SWCD, Hillsboro FFA students, and several more local partners. Highland County Farm Bureau is honored to play a role in this event!

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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