We all know that farming and life in general can be very stressful. With the recent news of yet another member of our farming and cheese making family passing as a result of taking their own life, we want to offer the resources below as a starting place for those in need. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to these folks:

• Maine’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112

• Agricultural Resources for mental health:    https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/resources/mental-health.shtml#hotlines

• Our friends at Extension have resources available for our cheesemakers:
https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/maine-frsan/agricultural-resilience/resources-building-resilience/ through the Maine Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network:
Helping Farmers Cope with Stress website has a number of resources listed at Cooperative Extension Help Lines  

• Facebook group Maine Farm Sitters:
They may provide potential workers. This allows you to go to appointments and take care of yourself.

• Maine Farm Bureau : They  have a disaster relief fund that  can assist farmers. You do not need to be a Farm Bureau member.

 • Maine Department of Agriculture:
Maine Farmer Wellness Fund (accepting applications through Sep 30) They distributed in amounts of $100, $250, or $500. These funds can be used to support Maine farmers and farm workers in their mental health and wellness needs.