Training

Farm Stress Training/Course Offerings

The University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team provides numerous educational opportunities throughout the state and online. As part of a national initiative, UME along with partner organizations deliver professional agricultural behavioral health counseling and referral for other forms of assistance as necessary through farm telephone helplines and websites; training programs and workshops; support groups; and outreach services and activities.

“For information about upcoming events please see our upcoming event page.

University of Maryland Extension Presents an Online Farm Stress Management Course

This online self-paced training is designed for Agriculture Service Providers to equip them with the skills and knowledge to support farms and farm families in times of distress. The training was developed by the University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team. The goals include: identify signs of distress, develop skills to communicate with those experiencing stress, and provide resources both locally and nationally. Financial and regulatory topics will also be discussed as they are often contributors to stress on the farm.

To access the course visit our online portal at https://umeagfs.teachable.com/p/farm-stress-management. For more information on the Farm Stress Management program visit go.umd.edu/farmfamily. The program is open to all and is funded through a grant with the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under sub award number ENE20-160-34268.

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Managing Stress on the Farm
Whether you are a farmer, family member, or service provider, you are engaging with farmers who are under stress. This session will teach you the signs of stress, how to communicate with someone under stress, and the resources available in your community. 5-15 minute introduction, 30 - 45 minute overview, 1-2 hour training, and 5-hour certificate training, including financial and legal training. Coming soon

Farm Financial Trainings
Financial concerns are a topic often identified as a stressor for farm businesses. This can be related to personal or business finances and include goal setting, input costs, marketing decisions, business planning, and recordkeeping. The training can be customized to fit the concerns raised.

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Legal Trainings
Legal concerns are a topic often identified as a stressor for farm businesses. These concerns can be related to estate and succession planning, handling environmental issues, agricultural leasing issues, or neighbor relations. The training can be customized to fit the concerns raised.

Generation Rx

Generation Rx is an evidence-informed prevention education and awareness program designed to educate people of all ages about safe medication practices and the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications. Learning Objectives:

Understand the history of the prescription drug use epidemic, including the over prescribing, normalization, and advertising of prescription drugs.
Understand the importance of taking medication exactly as prescribed, and alternatives to pain management.
Learn how to securely store and dispose of prescription medications.
Learn how to employ safe medication practices and teach others to do the same

For more information about Generation RX

Mental Health First Aid
Learn a five-step action plan to support someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Includes live practice. (full day, includes certification)

Pain Management
This one-hour training provides an overview of types of pain, pain management strategies, and treatment options. The content goes beyond a purely medical model of pain to share an integrative view of management and treatment options. This training is recommended for the agriculture community given the physicality of the profession and the higher risk for injuries and pain compared to other professions.

To request training? Use the forms below:

These programs are offered in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, and the United States Department of Agriculture.