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Hard choices in the heartland: Farmers Need to Manage Stress
Submitted by; Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director
For Release: Week of October 22, 2018
Unpredictable weather, falling net farm income, spotty health care services and a host of other factors can make for incredible stress on farms and in rural communities. Many of the factors causing sleepless nights are beyond an individual’s control, yet there are often ways to manage the stress, according to North Dakota State University family science specialist Sean Brotherson.
“People will power through even if they don’t feel well,” said Brotherson, speaking at a recent K-State Research and Extension workshop in Manhattan. “There’s a cost to that. You can’t put your health or relationships on the back end for long without consequences.”
The most important asset of any agricultural operation is the health and wellness of the farm operator, said Brotherson, who also presented a workshop on the same topic in Dodge City.
Farming and ranching ranks in the top 10 of the most stressful occupations. That stress can lead to depression, anger, health concerns, failed marriages, loss of friendships or relationships with family members, alcohol or substance abuse or worse.
“When we talk about farm safety, we often talk about accident prevention but we tend to neglect talk about mental and emotional health,” Brotherson said, adding that’s a mistake.
Despite the overall U.S. economy booming, the farm economy has been in a slump the past several years: “This great economic condition is not translating into a good farm economy. Many farmers are very good at what they do, yet some still find themselves in situations that they can’t control,” Brotherson said.
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to decrease $9.8 billion (13.0 percent) from 2017 to $65.7 billion in 2018, after increasing $13.9 billion (22.5 percent) in 2017, according to an August report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $12.4 billion (12.0 percent) to $91.5 billion. In inflation-adjusted 2018 dollars, net farm income is forecast to decline $11.4 billion (14.8 percent) from 2017 after increasing $13.0 billion (20.3 percent) in 2017.
If realized, inflation-adjusted net farm income would be just slightly above its level in 2016, which was its lowest level since 2002.
The situation is taking a toll, Brotherson said. Some feel extra pressure because their farm has been in the family for generations and they don’t want to be the one to lose it.
“Stress signals are like the warning lights blinking on your truck’s dashboard,” Brotherson said. “We often want to ignore them but at some point there is a price to pay – a heart attack, broken relationships, depression or worse. You maintain your car to keep it running properly. You have to maintain your health, too.”
Coping strategies include things that help you unwind, include exercise, getting enough sleep, hobbies, or reaching out to someone for support or help – a friend, a counselor, or a loved one.
K-State Research and Extension has teamed with NDSU’s Brotherson to share resources linked to farm stress management including a tip sheet. In addition, K-State programs such as the Farm Analyst program, Kansas Agricultural Mediation Service and Kansas Farm Management Association are available to work with rural enterprises.
Contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242 for more information. Your health matters too us.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Thousands Sign Up for Bells of Peace Nationwide
Bells of Peace
The free Bells of Peace App has attracted over 5000 people nationwide to join in the bell tolling on November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am local time. People and organizations can use the app to select a bell, connect to a local sound system, and load photos and videos of their bell and commemoration events.
Did you sign up on the website? You should also download and sign up on the app so that you can upload your photos and see what others are doing. It is also easy to share with your friends so that everyone can be part of this nationwide commemoration1
Did you sign up on the app? If you are an organization, you should also sign up on the website so that you can upload your logo and we can add it to the logo scroll.
Don’t worry – we will only send you one newsletter per email address!
The U.S. Navy will toll the bells on November 11!
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has ordered Navy and Marine Corps ships and installations to commemorate the Centennial of the Armistice with a bell toll. Read the “ALLNAV” order at ww1cc.org/bells under PROCLAMATIONS.
U.S. Capitol – The Taft Carillon will toll the bells on November 11!
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, has authorized the Architect of the Capitol to toll the U.S. Capitol’s Robert A. Taft Carillon at 11:00 a.m. on November 11. The carillon plays “The Star-Spangled Banner” every July 4 at 2 pm. The last special event for which the Taft Carillon was tolled was the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2016.
Independence Hall – The Centennial Bell will toll on November 11!
The National Park Service will toll the Centennial Bell in Independence Hall in Philadelphia on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. in conjunction with other commemoration activities. The Centennial Bell was placed in Independence Hall in 1876 and rings hourly.
Washington Ringing Society – the Old Post Office Bell will toll on November 11!
The Washington Ringing Society, winner on October 20 of the second annual nationwide Trinity Shield Striking Competition, will toll the Old Post Office Bell in Washington, D.C. on November 11. This bell is the closest to the National World War I Memorial we are building to honor WW1 veterans! The Washington Ringing Society is also responsible for tolling the bells at the National Cathedral on November 11, with Retired Navy Admiral Mike Mullen in the role of ceremonial toll master.
Need Ceremony Ideas? Consult the National Cathedral Interfaith Service Program
The program for the National Cathedral’s November 11 interfaith service is now posted on our website at ww1cc.org/bells under CEREMONY IDEAS. Here you can see Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Native American, Jewish and Christian prayers along with poetry and hymns especially selected to honor the service of our nation’s World War I veterans and commemorate the Armistice Centennial.
Zombie Chase/Werewolf Attack Oct. 26 at Gunn Park
2018 Zombie Chase/Werewolf Attack 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
For a printable copy of the flyer, click here. To visit Buck Run Community Center’s website, click here.
K.C. Chiefs Tickets For Sale by Chamber
Kansas City Chiefs Promo
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members and the general public to take advantage of a Kansas City Chiefs ticket promotion to purchase game tickets at a discounted price.
The program has been offered for prior games but is now expanded to include the following remaining games: 12/9 vs. the Ravens at 12pm, 12/13 vs. the Chargers at 7:20pm, and 12/30 vs. the Raiders at 12pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.chiefs.com/ticketfundraiser/ by entering promo code FORTSCOTTCC. All promo tickets are upper level at only $33.50 per ticket including the handling fee, which is a huge discount from normal pricing. Ten dollars of each ticket purchase supports the local Chamber.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce with any questions at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com for more information.
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Oct. 23
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: October 23rd, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-Audit letter and 2018 budget balances
10:15-Budget Discussions
10:30-10:45-Bill Martin-Executive Session
10:45-Discussion about Fencing
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of non-elected personnel-30 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
2:30-2:40-Future of Bourbon County Health Care Updates
Updates of Meetings
2:45-3:15-NRP
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Candidates Forum Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 22
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Oct. 18-21
Click below for the daily reports, then click on the image.
Community Prayer For 2018 Elections
There will be an inter-denominational praise and prayer gathering at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
There will be no promotion of any candidate, no political speakers.
It is gathering people of faith to ask God to bless our community and our nation.
Submitted by Amanda Gilmore
American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25 was chartered Saturday, October 20 with 10 members. Squadron Commander is Jeff Norris. Adjutant is Carl Jowers. SAL members are invited to attend the Post 25 general membership meetings. SAL members are not allowed to vote on Legion issues.
October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.
October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
October 25. Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 members.
October 27th. 2nd District Commander Homecoming in Blue Mound. All Post 25 Legionnaires are invited to attend.
October 30. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.
October 30. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
November 2. Post 25 general membership meet and greet. Light refreshments will be available. Starts at 6:30 pm.
November 5. Post 25 general membership meeting. Starts at 7 pm. The meeting is held at the Memorial Hall at National and 3rd in downtown Fort Scott. All Post 25 members, eligible Veterans and guests are invited to attend the meeting. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.
November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.
November 9. Friday evening, 5pm: Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.
November 9. Saturday, 10am: Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
November 10. Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. “A Gathering of Veterans” at VFW Post 1165 for fellowship and camaraderie.
November 10. Saturday, 5 pm: Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Fort Scott. All Veterans are encouraged to participate. Transportation will be available for those unable to walk in the parade.
November 10. Saturday, 7pm: 1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
November 11. Sunday, 9am: Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton S
November 11. Sunday, 11am: Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.
November 11. Sunday, 12pm: Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.
Submitted by Carl Jowers, Commander
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
FSHS Debate Wins Big
The Fort Scott High School Debate team was successful this weekend:
At the Field Kindley debate tournament, Coffeyville:
4th in Open Kaden Kiwan /Jade Russell
4th in Novice Kris Patel/Shekhar Gugnani
3rd in Novice Takia Page/ Ivy Baily
FSHS takes 2nd in Sweeps!
Elizabeth Ngatia and Zoe Self take first in open debate at Olathe South!
Submitted by Angella Curran