Agriculture Can Be Stressful- You’re Not Alone
Coping with Excessive Stress
Agriculture is known to be a dangerous occupation full of potential stressors like weather, changing economic markets and machinery breakdowns. When these start to compound many farmers experience excessive stress, making it hard to move forward to positive solutions. Get help with everything from budgeting, cash flow management, labor planning, business planning and record keeping systems.
Jon Paul Driver grew up on the family farm north of Spokane in Usk. He attended WSU and received his degree in Agribusiness, Management and Economics. After graduating, Jon Paul went to work for the Washington State University Western Center for Risk Management Education where his work focused on dairy and crop insurance policy. Jon Paul worked for Northwest Farm Credit Services for 5 years before returning to Washington State University to work as the farm and ranch management specialist. Contact Jon Paul for one-on-one farm management consulting at jonpaul_d@wsu.edu
Need Support?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or Text 988
or Chat 988lifeline.org
Get Help: 9-8-8
Ongoing Posts
Suicide Prevention – Skagit County Videos
- Rotate Monthly
- https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/suicide-prevention/
Farm Financial Management Resources
- Profile Picture and email jonpaul_d@wsu.edu for Jon Paul Driver
Meeting Schedule
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Association |
Meeting |
Location |
Venue |
Date |
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| Washington Cattlemen’s Association | WCA & WCW Annual Convention | Wenatchee, WA | Wenatchee Convention Center | November 10-12, 2022 | |
| Washington Association of Wheat Growers | Tri-State Grain Convention | Coeur d’Alene, ID | Coeur d’Alene Resort | November 29 – December 1, 2022 | |
| Washington State Dairy Federation | Annual Dairy Conference | Grand Mound, WA | Great Wolf Lodge | December 5-7, 2022 | |
| Washington State Tree Fruit Association | NW Hort Expo | Wenatchee, WA | Wenatchee Convention Center | December 5-7, 2022 | |
| Washington Mint Growers Association | Washington Mint Convention | Kennewick, WA | Three Rivers Convention Center | December 6, 2022 | |
| Washington State Hay Growers Association | Northwest Hay Expo | Kennewick, WA | Three Rivers Convention Center | January 18-19, 2023 | |
| Washington Potato Commission | Washington-Oregon Potato Conference | Kennewick, WA | Three Rivers Convention Center | January 24-26, 2023 | |
Possibly logos or videos or images here
November
Sales Closing Dates: Barley, Cherries, Apricots, Pasture Rangeland and Forage Finances are stressful. For many producers, crop insurance is an important strategy to stabilize income. Consider crop insurance options for your farm or ranch.
Business Unit Evaluation
As harvest comes to an end, it is time to review profit centers in your operation.
Business Plan Development: Rough Draft
Business plans provide guidance and allow for communication with stakeholders like family members and lenders. However, business plans are a big undertaking. Start with a one-page rough draft.
Farm Equipment Review
“I know its leaking oil”. Which piece of equipment caused the most down time? Which tractors are bullet proof? Make sure you are well equipped for next year. Pro tip: This can be part of your business plan.
December
Prep for taxes
Death and taxes are the only certainty in life. You know tax season is coming. Take time to arrange your records and communicate with your tax professional early.
Business Plan Development: Final Draft
Build out your business plan before tax season. Expand on the draft you created a month earlier.
| Useful Links
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| When to insure your crops (northwestfcs.com)
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| Livestock insurance fact sheets
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| Livestock Insurance Plans | RMA (usda.gov)
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| Learn – CME Group – Course catalogue
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| WAWG – WAWG
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| Hay Growers – Washington State Hay Growers Association – Home (wa-hay.org)
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| Potatoes – Washington-Oregon Potato Conference (potatoes.com)
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| Dairy – Washington State Dairy Federation | Serving Washington’s dairy farmers since 1892 (wastatedairy.com)
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| Tree Fruit – Washington State Tree Fruit Association – Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Site (wstfa.org)
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| Funding Attribution
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Additional Resources
National Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255); https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/; Crisis Text Line: Text “GO” to 741741;
Veterans Crisis Line – 800/273-8255, press 1; Find Local Mental Health Treatment Services: 877/726‑4727
This link includes multiple resources including suicide hotlines – https://www.agriculture.com/mentalhealth
Ag Legacy – How do You Cope With Anxiety and Stress in your Ag Legacy?
Farm Aid – https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/
AgrAbility – www.agrability.org/resources/mental-behavioral-health/
Regional Resources:
