Farm Stress Peer Support Programs

Webinar Date: August 13

Register for Webinar

Wednesday, August 13
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT

Join us for an upcoming webinar spotlighting three innovative farm stress peer support programs that are empowering farmers through connection, emotional support, and access to vital resources. Discover how peer networks are building resilience in rural communities—one conversation at a time.

  • The NC Agromedicine Institute’s Farmer-to-Farmer program connects agricultural producers with trained peers who understand the unique challenges of farm life. Through confidential, judgment-free conversations, peer supporters offer emotional support, share resources, and help reduce the stigma around seeking help. The program fosters community connection and resilience by encouraging open conversations rooted in shared experience.
  • The Farm Foundation-led Farm Family Wellness Alliance provides free mental health support to all farm families in the U.S. Mental health and wellness services are provided through a multi-layered approach. The first layer is an online community called Togetherall. There, users have access to a broad array of peer-to-peer support and a library of self-paced resources. If needed, an additional layer of support is available through Personal Assistance Services (PAS).
  • The Farm First Peer Network offers farmers in Vermont an opportunity to talk to a farmer who is trained in active listening skills, problem-solving, and resiliency-building. The peers are available to help with stressful times and have access to many resources, including a Farm First counselor. Peers come from various types of farms and different areas of the state. Peers can be accessed through the website farmfirst.org.

Our Presenters:
McKayla Robinette grew up on a century farm in eastern North Carolina where she raises beef cattle alongside her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a focus on sustainable agriculture and an M.S. in rural sociology; she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy and administration. As coordinator for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network of North Carolina at the NC Agromedicine Institute, McKayla leverages her background in production agriculture to help farming families navigate challenges and succeed.

Timothy Brennan is vice president for programs and strategic impact at Farm Foundation, a 92-year-old non-profit organization with a mission to build trust and understanding at the intersection of agriculture and society. Before joining Farm Foundation in 2013, Tim held several different roles at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Tim grew up on a small farm in northeastern Ohio and currently manages his own hobby farm just outside of Chicago.

Leanne Porter, program manager for Farm First since 2021, has dedicated over two decades to rural Vermont communities. With a strong background in mental health and education, she is a skilled mental health training specialist, equipping individuals to address the unique challenges faced by farmers and their families.

The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center is supported by USDA-NIFA Project 2024-70028-43552 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The National AgrAbility Project is supported by USDA-NIFA Project 2021-41590-34813 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.