I remember the profound surprise I experienced after the birth of my twins: I was in the company of strangers. Despite the nine months of growing awareness of the beings within me, as they hiccupped, rolled around, and used my kidneys as a trampoline, here they were in the world: perfect little beings I did […]
Soil Sisters: Taking Time to Know Read More »
Later this month, Wisconsin’s Governor will issue his proclamation for “Wisconsin Farm Safety and Health Week,” a tradition started a few years ago to parallel National Farm Safety and Health Week, first proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. The theme of this year’s observation is, “Protecting Agriculture’s Future.”
Protecting Agriculture’s Future – Wisconsin Farm Safety & Health Week Read More »
So, this has probably happened to all of is. You wake in the middle of the night to hear a violent downpour of rain, when things were already flooded and sloppy and you know you are already two weeks behind on field work. Or, the opposite—you watched the radar all day knowing that there’s no
How Stress Clouds Decision Making (and What to Do About It) Read More »
The Deere equipment line up was a huge draw for our 2008 farm auction back in Indiana. I’ve spent the last week debating whether or not it was a good idea to write my thoughts into an article like this. In the 50+ years my Dad farmed, he was a loyal John Deere customer. We
Farmer Mental Health, Marketing & Product Placement Read More »
The new year is upon us. Most of us are eager to get on with another year, armed with a list of resolutions and a to-list that can be daunting. Planning for another year, the coming growing season, getting all our financials in order, and moving forward is important. But, it’s also important for our well-being and mental health to occasionally reflect on all the great things we have (often through practices of gratitude) and all we’ve accomplished in the past 12 months. To help you with your 2022 “to do” list, consider also reflecting on 2021 and make a short list of all the great things you got done! It feels good. It can also remind us of all the skills we’ve built and strengths we needed to accomplish all the things you got done.
Your Strengths Are Many! Read More »
WeCOPE: Express Gratitude, Notice and Savor Over the last year, I’ve been deeply involved in a new program called WeCOPE (Connecting with Our Positive Emotions). Over the course of seven one-hour sessions, WeCOPE helps people develop skills and practices that research shows improves overall well-being, physical health, stress levels and happiness. Thanks to a partnership
WeCOPE: Express Gratitude, Notice, Savor Read More »
Stress comes in all shapes and forms on a farm: ornery & difficult livestock, broken down equipment, untimely poor weather and difficult issues in the household. These stressors and situations can often times be magnified when poor emotional communication skills are used when discussing a problem or conflict.
Growing Emotional Intelligence Read More »
A John Deere crests the top of a hill while harvesting chickpeas in early fall. Farm Safety Yields Results Since 1944, the U.S. president has proclaimed one week of the year to be National Farm Safety and Health Week (NFSHW). This year, as in others, the governor of Wisconsin has also done so. Marking the
Farm Safety Yields Results Read More »
