News

Extension there for farmers facing pain and stress

Michigan State University Extension continues to help farmers deal with financial stress and is responding to the opioid epidemic.

MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Ron Hendrick says extension staff are available to assist those struggling with the economic downturn in farming.

“Drops in commodity prices that have made it hard for people to plan sustainably for their financial future.  So in addition to helping them with management of the on-farm resources, we want to be a resource for people who find themselves under levels of stress that might be unprecedented, or things they just haven’t had to deal with before.”

He says extension is also on the frontlines of opioid addiction that has spread from urban centers to rural areas.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in that epidemic in loss of life in rural communities as well.  So we are not immune to those (issues) in rural communities, and extension wants and needs to be responsive.”

 

September is Pain Awareness month, and MSU Extension offers online resources for effective self-management.

 

*Audio courtesy of Agricultural Leaders of Michigan*