K-state hosts free farm health workshops

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University, in collaboration with several state partners, announces a series of workshops titled "Whole Farm Health" designed to support farm families in various aspects of farming and personal well-being.

These workshops, free of charge, are scheduled to be held on three consecutive Tuesdays at Worden Cornerstone Church near Baldwin City, emphasizing the importance of soil health, financial planning, and personal wellness in the agricultural community.

The series kicks off on February 20 with "Transition to Soil Health and Beating the Drought," focusing on soil regeneration techniques and drought resilience. The following session on February 27, "Planning for Profit," aims to guide farm families in financial and succession planning.

The final workshop on March 5, "Lighten the Load on the Road to Wellness," addresses mental health issues prevalent in rural areas, offering resources for suicide prevention and holistic health strategies.

These workshops are a collaborative effort by K-State Research and Extension staff in Douglas, Johnson, and Shawnee counties, conservation districts, Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy coordinators, the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams.

Margit Kaltenekker, an agriculture agent with K-State's Douglas County office, emphasizes the critical role of soil health principles and cover crops in restoring ecosystem functions and enhancing soil's water-holding capacity.

The initiative is supported by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Kansas Soil Health Alliance, and Green Cover Seed, highlighting the community's commitment to tackling the silent crisis of rural suicides by providing essential resources and support.

Interested participants are encouraged to register online to attend the workshops. For more information and to register, please visit the designated registration link. This series represents a unique opportunity for Kansas farmers to learn from experts, share experiences, and explore innovative strategies to improve their farms' sustainability and their own quality of life.

Photo Credit: University of Kansas