Maine AgrAbility

Authored by Coach Leslie Forstadt

Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farm and family well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm teams.

Don’t forget your own health and well-being, and find ways to build in routines to take care of yourself. If you are finding that you are overwhelmed, or having a hard time doing the things you usually do, please talk to someone else. Ask for help for the farm, adapt as needed, and consider reaching out to a counselor or phone hotline.

This video about social sustainability includes ways to create equitable and fair systems for all farmers and why this is important for personal well-being.

And this video focuses on stress that farmers experience. Be aware of your own signals and connect with those around you in case others may be struggling and too proud or fearful to reach out.

Supports for mental health and well-being:

• The Strengthen ME support line 207-221-8198
• For deaf or hard of hearing, use the Maine Relay services by dialing 711 for the Maine Crisis Hotline
• Farm Aid has a hotline (1-800-FARM-AID) just for farmers who want to talk about stresses and how to find support.

The Farm Coaches can talk with you about changing up your routines, building in sustainable strategies for your farm, and talking about these issues with your staff. Reach out and we can find a time to Zoom, talk by phone, or visit the farm.