Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team

This week will be about Men's Health as June is Men's Health Month. They have designated this week as Men's Health Week, June 14-21st. June 21st, we celebrate Father's Day, so please take care of yourself or the men, who you love and are inspired by in life! Check this article for some strategies to care for yourself or the men, who you love.
https://healthymonday.com/disease-prevention/mens-health-the-signals-your-body-is-sending?utm_source=Healthy+Monday&utm_campaign=559bb2995d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_06_02_05_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-559bb2995d-483738182

🌾🐄 Happy National Forage & Pasture Week – June 14-20! 🐑🌱

This week, we celebrate the vital role that forages and pastures play in agriculture. From grazing cattle and goats to feeding horses, healthy pastures are the backbone of sustainable livestock production and thriving farms. 🐐🐓

Why Forages & Pastures Matter:
• Provide nutritious feed for livestock, supporting milk, meat, and fiber production 🥛🥩
• Improve soil health and prevent erosion 🌱
• Promote biodiversity and healthy ecosystems 🌾
• Support sustainable agriculture practices that protect water and natural resources 💧

Ways to Celebrate National Forage & Pasture Week:
🌱 Visit a local farm or pasture to learn how forage is grown
🐄 Share photos or stories of livestock enjoying pasture time
📚 Learn more about rotational grazing and sustainable forage management

Let’s give a big “thank you” to the farmers and ranchers who manage pastures and forages, keeping our food system strong and sustainable! 🌾💛

🇺🇸 This Flag Day, we celebrate the symbol that unites us as Americans — a flag that has flown over family farms, rural communities, county fairs, barns, and fields for generations.

Agriculture is woven into the fabric of our nation. From sunrise chores to late-night planting and harvest, farmers and farm families work tirelessly to help feed and fuel our country. Their resilience, dedication, and love for the land reflect the same strength and perseverance our flag represents. 🚜🌾🐄

But behind every operation is a person, a family, and a story. Farming can be rewarding, but it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and long days that weigh heavily on mental health. This Flag Day, let’s also remember the importance of supporting one another — checking in on neighbors, lending a helping hand, and reminding our farm families they are never alone. ❤️

As Old Glory waves above our fields and communities, may it remind us not only of freedom and pride, but also of compassion, unity, and hope.

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

🌽🎉 Happy National Corn on the Cob Day – June 11! 🎉🌽

Sweet, juicy, and farm-fresh—corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that connects us to the heart of agriculture! From the field to your plate, corn is a crop that feeds families and livestock alike. 🌾🐄

Corn Facts You’ll Love:
• Corn is grown on millions of farms across the U.S., making it one of our most important crops 🌽
• It’s not just for humans—corn feeds livestock and is used in countless products! 🐄🥛
• Corn on the cob is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals 🌽💛
• Proper cooking and handling keeps it safe and delicious: wash ears before cooking and enjoy fresh off the cob! 🧼🔥

Ways to celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day:
🌽 Grill or boil fresh corn on the cob
🧈 Add butter, spices, or your favorite toppings
📸 Share a photo of your corn feast with friends and family

Give a big “thanks” to the farmers who grow this golden staple and make every bite taste like summer! 🌽💛

Today will celebrate International Omelet Day. What is your favorite omelet? I encourage you to put a variety of vegetables in your omelet to nourish your body. Check out this Broccoli Omelet or other omelets on Purdue Purdue Extension Nutrition Education ProgramEat Gather Go or Purdue Extension Food Link. https://extension.purdue.edu/foodlink/recipe.php?recipe=Broccoli%20Omelet

Broccoli Omelet - FoodLink This omelet is lower in fat and cholesterol than a traditional omelet and stuffed with a vibrant mix of broccoli florets, red sweet peppers, and mushrooms that's topped with melted, reduced-fat cheese. Recipe adapted from the What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl website.

📞🚜 National Call Your Doctor Day 🚜📞

Farmers are known for working through long days, tough weather, aches, pains, and stress — often putting the needs of the farm and others ahead of their own health. But taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of crops, livestock, equipment, and the land. 🌱🐄

National Call Your Doctor Day is a great reminder to:
✅ Schedule annual check-ups
✅ Stay up to date on screenings and medications
✅ Talk about stress, sleep, and mental health
✅ Address aches, pains, hearing, or vision concerns before they worsen

Agriculture is physically and mentally demanding work, and preventative care can help keep farmers and farm families healthy and strong for the seasons ahead.

Your health matters. A quick phone call today could make a big difference tomorrow. 💚

🐝🦋 Happy National Insect Appreciation Day – June 8! 🐞🐜

Today we celebrate the tiny creatures that make a huge impact on our farms, gardens, and the environment. Insects aren’t just fascinating—they’re essential for agriculture and our food systems! 🌾🌱

Why we love insects in agriculture:
• Pollinators like bees and butterflies help fruits, vegetables, and flowers grow 🍓🌻
• Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings keep pests under control naturally 🐞
• Insects help decompose organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil 🌱
• Some insects, like silkworms and honeybees, provide valuable products like silk and honey 🍯

Ways to celebrate National Insect Appreciation Day:
🐝 Plant a pollinator-friendly garden
📸 Snap a photo of a fascinating insect in your yard
🌾 Learn about the insects that help your local farms thrive

Take a moment to thank the little creatures that make big things happen in agriculture—and maybe share your favorite insect fact! 🐜💛

🌍🌱 Happy World Environment Day – June 5! 🌱🌍

Today we celebrate our planet and the ways we can protect it—especially through agriculture! Farmers and gardeners play a huge role in nurturing the land, conserving water, and growing food sustainably. 🌾🐄

Ways agriculture helps the environment:
• Healthy soil stores carbon and supports crops 🌱
• Sustainable farming practices conserve water and energy 💧⚡
• Crop rotation and cover crops improve soil health and reduce erosion 🌾
• Supporting local farms reduces food transportation and carbon footprints 🚜

Ways to celebrate World Environment Day:
🌿 Plant something—flowers, vegetables, or herbs
🍎 Support local farmers’ markets
♻️ Learn and share tips on sustainable agriculture
📸 Snap a photo of your farm, garden, or favorite green spot

Every small action helps protect our Earth—let’s celebrate by taking care of the land that feeds us! 🌎💚

🧀🎉 Happy National Cheese Day – June 4! 🎉🧀

Cheesemaking has been around for nearly 4,000 years, and today there are over 2,000 varieties of cheese worldwide! From mozzarella to cheddar, cheese has a long history—from Roman kitchens called careale to our favorite pizzas and charcuterie boards. 🌾🐄

Cheese Facts You’ll Love:
• It takes about 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese 🥛➡️🧀
• Holes in Swiss cheese? That’s CO₂ created by bacteria forming little air pockets!
• Cheese curds squeak because elastic proteins rub against your teeth 😄
• Most cheese is made with just milk, salt, and a coagulant (like rennet, vinegar, or bacteria)
• Hard cheeses like parmesan are low in lactose, so many people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy them 🐐🐄

Celebrate National Cheese Day:
🧀 Try a new cheese you’ve never tasted
🍕 Add extra mozzarella to your pizza or cheddar to your sandwich
📸 Share a photo of your cheesy creation and tag a friend

Let’s give a big cheesy thank you to farmers and everyone who helps bring this delicious dairy from pasture to plate! 🌱💛

As part of our North Central Extension Risk Management Grant we are hosting two Mental Health First Aid Trainings- and we’d love for you and your clients to join us!



Mental Health First Aid



🧠 What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that helps you recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges.



Think of it as first aid- but for mental health. 💬



You’ll gain practical tools and a step-by-step action plan to confidently support someone in need safely and responsibly.



📅 Choose the session that works best for you:



💻 Join Virtually

🗓 Thursday, June 25

🔗 Register here: https://cvent.me/9EXEKn



📍 Join Us In Person

🗓 Tuesday, June 30

📍 Indiana Soybean Alliance (Marion County)

🔗 Register here: https://cvent.me/lYMA8B



✨ Whether you’re looking to build your skills or better support your community, this training is a great opportunity to make a real difference.

We hope to see you there! 😊

Course Details - Mental Health First Aid Training (Adult) - Marion County - June 30, 2026