These case studies are tools to help extension agents and other health care professionals identify common stressors among the farming community. Our case studies aim to bring awareness to problems Virginia farmers face and to promote appropriate problem-solving in coping with mental health issues. We hope the farming community will utilize these tools to build their knowledge about mental health and the mental health resources available to them. Our goal is to educate farmers, farm families, and extension professionals about farm stress and mental health resources in order to improve mental health within the farming community. We have incorporated discussion questions throughout the case studies to allow readers to practice applying their knowledge of stressors, symptoms, appropriate referrals and treatment strategies.
 

The Farm Safety, Health, & Wellness Initiative was a collaborative effort between the Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition, AgrAbility Virginia, Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach Program, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
 
Funding was provided by:  "Reducing Human & Financial Risk for Beginning, Military Veteran, & Historically Underserved Farmers through Farm Stress, Wellness, & Safety Education," Southern Extension Risk Management Education.
 
Additional parters include: VCE Human Development Program Team, VCE Dairy Agent Expertise, VDACS, Farm Bureau, Farmer Veteran Coaltion, Mary Baldwin University, & University of Kentucky.
 

The Farm Safety, Health & Wellness Toolkit