For farmers and ranchers, the daily grind can be monotonous, as if reliving the same day repeatedly. A typical day begins with an alarm set early for morning chores, and then heading out to the field or going on a part run. There is always a task to be done or something to be fixed. Producers are often pulled in multiple directions, especially during the busy seasons. Overtime, the day-to-day farm tasks build up to the point of being overwhelming.

Oftentimes in farm families, women represent a key facilitator of communication. That is why John Shutske, of the University of Wisconsin Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, presented “Effective Communication Skills and Strategies to Reduce Stress on the Farm,” a webinar hosted recently by PA Farm Link’s Women in Agriculture program.

…“By listening and respecting people where they’re coming from, and understanding the feelings they’re coming from, and suggesting next steps, you can diffuse a really complex situation,” Shutske said. “Look for the cues that more communication is needed.”