Milk Maid
The farm economy of the last few years has been difficult for farm families. Between the inclement weather, to trade and tariff uncertainties, low commodity prices and everything in between, it has been tough.
It seems that these stressors have been taking unfortunate tolls on farmers and ranchers. Just last week, a rancher’s wife from South Dakota took to media mediums to share the story of her husband’s battle with depression that ended with him taking his own life.
Amber Dykshorn and her husband Chris would be married 15 years in September.
Together, they have three kids. Chris started farming about five years ago near Platte, SD. “With the wet year and not being able to get the crops in and the financial burden of it, not having corn to feed the livestock, just a lot of components playing into that,” Dykshorn said.
Amber said Chris went to Avera Behavioral Health at the beginning of June. A few days later after Chris returned home he left to take care of their cattle, but was gone longer than usual.
“I told my son that was awake that I would be back in a little bit, and I got in my vehicle and as I got in the vehicle I had called our pastor because Chris was going to meet with him that afternoon and I drove over there and there he was, and I was able to be with him when he took his last two breaths,” Dykshorn said.
Amber hopes sharing her family’s story will make a difference for someone else and will help shed light on the different types of help that are available.
“My hope by sharing what our family went through is that I can prevent another farmers wife, another farming family to go through such a horrific loss, it’s just so hard and we just need to rally together to support our farmers, family is a difficult occupation, there’s just so many highs and lows,” Dykshorn said. The tough times don’t just affect the financial and emotional well-being of farm and ranch owners; it affects all family members – including kids.
In response, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a free, three-hour workshop that provides an overview of the stressors unique to growing up on a farm. Supporting Farm Youth through Understanding and Intervention workshop will be offered Monday, July 22 in Willmar and will run from 9 a.m. until noon.
“Farm kids may be living in tense situations with little ability to make sense of what is going on around them,” said Licensed Professional Counselor Monica McConkey, who will teach the workshops. “Adults need to know the signs and symptoms of farm youth stress so they can help kids cope.”
The MDA encourages teachers, school counselors, school administrators, 4-H leaders, FFA advisors, youth pastors, social workers, mental health professionals, health care professionals, and others who work with farm youth to attend.
All participants will receive certificates of attendance; several organizations have approved continuing education credits. The workshop is free but space is limited. Register at https://supportingfarmyouth.eventbrite.com or by calling the MDA at 651-201-6012.
I know that different professionals that work directly with farmers have been trained to spot depression symptoms in farmers and ranchers like bankers, seed salespersons and more.
Personally, I know that my dad receives phone calls regularly from his banker just to check in on him.
Mental illness is a huge obstacle facing an already challenging agricultural community. There are people struggling with it but there are ways to help like stress hotlines that can be a good stepping stone.
Take time to check in on the farmers in your life and to offer them your support or help if needed.