Farmer’s Ag and Chats

February 18, 2025 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Gratiot County MSU Extension Office, 219 N State St, Alma, MI 48801

Contact: Gratiot County MSU Extension office at 989-875-5233

The new year often brings the same annual challenges. For many farmers, January and February are long months stuck indoors; the holidays are over and waiting for the spring work seems distant. If you live in colder climates, the sun doesn’t shine as often, and our tolerance for the cold can limit the opportunities to be outside for more than a few minutes. This year, financial stress may also be impacting mood, as the crop market prices in the fall of 2024 were low and are projected to stay low in 2025. Remember, you're not alone in this. Many of us are facing similar challenges.

As we are navigating these months, it is very common for us to notice changes in:

Sleep patterns: staying up late into the night, unable to sleep while others report they are sleeping a significant portion of their day.
Eating patterns: change in appetite.
Mood: more irritable or impatient, and this affects our relationships with friends and family.
Substance use: drinking alcohol more often or in larger quantities.

If the signs listed above sound familiar to you, or if you feel you would benefit from an outlet, Michigan State University Extension is hosting vent sessions. Venting can be a very healthy way to handle stress and provide a sense of relief. These Farmer’s Ag and Chats events allow you to get out of the house, get some coffee and doughnuts, and spend some time with others experiencing similar things.

Dates: Feb. 6, 18 and 24

When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: Gratiot County MSU Extension Office, 219 N State St, Alma, MI

If you would like to host a Farmer’s Ag and Chat on another date, or if you would like a member of our field crops or farm stress staff to visit your farm, please reach out to the Gratiot County MSU Extension office at 989-875-5233 or the Isabella County MSU Extension office at 989-317-4079.