Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team

09/20/2026

🐄🧀 National String Cheese Day: From the Farm to Your Lunchbox! 🧀🐄

There’s something just plain fun about pulling apart a piece of string cheese—but have you ever stopped to think about where that snack begins?

It starts with milk! 🥛 And that means dairy farmers, cows, farm families, and the many people involved in getting milk from the farm to the grocery store all play a part in bringing that little cheese stick to your lunchbox.

String cheese is typically made from mozzarella and is a convenient, protein-packed snack that can go just about anywhere.

🌾 A little food safety reminder: Keep string cheese refrigerated and check the package for proper storage instructions. Choosing cheese made with pasteurized milk is also an important food-safety step. The CDC lists pasteurized string cheese among safer cheese choices.

So today, grab a string cheese, peel it apart, and take a moment to appreciate the agriculture behind the snack! 🐄🥛🧀

And the really important question…
Do you peel your string cheese or just take a bite? 😂

09/18/2026

🍔🧀 Lettuce celebrate! It’s National Cheeseburger Day! 🧀🍔

The beef, the cheese, the farm-fresh deliciousness!
From cows 🐄 to dairy 🥛 to veggies 🌱, every bite is a farm-to-table treat.

📸 Stack it high, snap a pic, and thank the farmers behind your burger! 🍔💛

08/29/2026

August 29
🍋🎉 Happy National Lemon Juice Day – August 29! 🎉🍋

Sour, refreshing, and full of zest—lemon juice is a kitchen essential and a reminder of the farm-fresh ingredients that make our meals tangy and delicious! 🌱🌞

Lemon Juice Fun Facts:
• Lemons are grown on farms in the U.S. and around the world, providing vitamin C and flavor 🍋
• Lemon juice is used in drinks, cooking, baking, and even natural cleaning 🌿
• Farmers carefully harvest lemons at peak ripeness for the best flavor and freshness 🚜

Ways to Celebrate:
🍹 Make lemonade or add a splash to your favorite dish
📸 Snap a photo of your lemony creation
🌱 Thank the farmers who grow these bright, flavorful fruits

Celebrate the zesty side of life and the farmers who make it all possible! 🍋💛

08/27/2026

🌧️ Indiana Storm & Flood Recovery Resources Are Available

It has been more than two weeks since the August 11 derecho, severe storms and flooding affected communities across Indiana. While some areas are moving into cleanup and rebuilding, others are still dealing with the effects of flooding.

The good news: additional assistance is now available.

On August 25, a Major Disaster Declaration was approved for Indiana, opening FEMA Individual Assistance to eligible homeowners and renters in 21 counties:

Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union and Wayne.

👉 If you live in one of these counties and were affected, apply for FEMA assistance:
🌐 DisasterAssistance.gov
📱 FEMA mobile app
📞 1-800-621-3362

Indiana's State Disaster Relief Fund is also available for eligible uninsured losses, with assistance of up to $5,000 for qualifying expenses.

Other resources may be available for SNAP food replacement, temporary housing, veterans, insurance concerns and agricultural losses.

📌 Not sure where to start?
Visit the Indiana August Disaster Resource Hub for the most current information and applications:
https://on.in.gov/August2026Disaster?utm_source=chatgpt.com

You can also call 211 or 1-866-211-9966 for help connecting with local resources.

Livestock and Crop producers should report crop, livestock, feed, and farmland losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agency office, not to Indiana 211 or the county emergency management agency. Deadlines vary by program, and some are short, so the sooner a producer makes contact, the better:

Flood and Excessive Moisture: Reporting Losses and Submitting Applications, USDA — https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/flood

USDA Service Center Locator — https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

And please remember that recovery has its own hazards. Turn around, don't drown. Use extreme caution with chainsaws and storm-damaged trees, watch for mold, test flooded private wells before drinking the water, and be cautious when hiring contractors.

Most importantly, don't try to navigate recovery alone. Document your damage, ask questions and reach out for help when you need it. Recovery takes time, and Hoosiers are continuing to help Hoosiers through it. ❤️

08/24/2026

August 24
💚 Today is National Self-First Day! 💚

Putting yourself first doesn't mean putting others last—it means making sure you're healthy enough to care for the people, animals, and responsibilities that depend on you.

In agriculture, it's easy to spend every waking hour focused on the next chore, the next field, or the next task. Farmers and ranchers are known for their dedication, but even the hardest workers need time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves.

🌱 Today, make yourself part of your to-do list:
🚜 Take a short break between chores.
🥤 Stay hydrated and eat a nourishing meal.
🚶 Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air.
📞 Call a friend or family member.
😴 Prioritize a good night's sleep.
💙 If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust.

Remember, caring for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. When you invest in your own physical and mental well-being, you're better equipped to care for your family, your farm, your animals, and your community.

Take a few minutes today to do something that fills your cup. You deserve it.

08/21/2026

It is Mental Health Day at the Indiana State Fair! Come enjoy the final Friday of the Fair and find our team members this afternoon until 9 PM between the cattle barn and the open class arts.

08/21/2026

🚨 After a disaster, protect both your finances and your well-being.

Recovering from a storm, flood, or other disaster can be overwhelming. When stress levels are high and decisions need to be made quickly, scammers often take advantage of the situation. Purdue Extension's Avoiding Scams After a Disaster resource highlights common fraud schemes and practical steps to stay protected.

Be alert for:
🔹 Uninvited contractors demanding cash or full payment upfront
🔹 Fake charities pressuring you to donate immediately
🔹 People posing as FEMA or government officials
🔹 Insurance scams promising to "speed up" your claim
🔹 Identity theft through fake disaster assistance applications

💙 Don't forget about your mental health. Disasters can create stress, anxiety, frustration, and decision fatigue. Before signing contracts, sharing personal information, or making major financial decisions:
✅ Take a breath and slow down
✅ Ask a trusted friend or family member to review decisions with you
✅ Be cautious of anyone creating a sense of urgency
✅ Take breaks, get rest, and seek support when needed

Remember: legitimate disaster recovery professionals understand that recovery takes time. Scammers often pressure people to act immediately because they don't want you to think carefully.

If you've been targeted by a scam, know that it is not your fault. Report it, protect your accounts, and reach out for help. Acting quickly can improve your chances of recovering losses.

Let's look out for one another. Share this post to help neighbors, friends, and family stay safe during recovery.

For more information, you can always refer to the Indiana Prepared website at www.inprepared.org

Quick Links: NOTE: Our site address has changed. Please update any bookmarks to: https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/INPREPared Home & Family Emergency Preparedness Bad things happen to good peo

08/20/2026

August 20
🥓🥧🍫 Double the Deliciousness! Happy National Bacon Day & National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day! 🍫🥧🥓

Today we're celebrating two favorites that have one thing in common—they're made possible by agriculture!

From pigs raised by dedicated livestock producers to pecans harvested from orchards, cocoa transformed into chocolate, corn and soybeans that help nourish livestock, and eggs from poultry farms, every slice tells the story of countless farmers working together to bring food from the farm to your table.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate? Try this sweet-and-savory twist on a classic favorite!

🥓 Chocolate Bacon Pecan Pie from Bacon Today
Ingredients:
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup chopped pecans
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sprinkle pecans, bacon, and chocolate chips evenly into the pie crust.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt.
4. Pour the filling over the pecans, bacon, and chocolate.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
6. Cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
3. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes
• For extra bacon flavor, sprinkle crumbled bacon bits on top before serving.
• Store pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Chocolate whipped cream can also be piped decoratively onto each slice for presentation.

🥓🍫 Sweet. Salty. Crunchy. Chocolatey. It might just become your new favorite pie!

What's your favorite way to enjoy bacon—or would you give this pie a try? Let us know in the comments!

08/19/2026

August 19
🥔🎉 Happy National Potato Day – August 19! 🎉🥔

From mashed to baked, fried to roasted, potatoes are a versatile farm-fresh favorite that connect us to agriculture every day! 🌾🚜

Potato Fun Facts:
• Potatoes are grown on farms across the U.S., including Indiana, feeding families and livestock alike 🥔🌱
• They provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious staple 🥗
• From farm to table, careful growing and harvesting ensure fresh, safe, and delicious potatoes 🍽️

Ways to Celebrate:
🥔 Cook your favorite potato dish—fries, hashbrowns, baked, or mashed
📸 Share a photo of your potato creation
🌾 Thank the farmers who grow these versatile tubers

Let’s give a big shout-out to potatoes and the farmers who make our favorite dishes possible! 🥔💛

08/16/2026

August 16
🐝🍯 Happy World Honey Bee Day – August 16! 🍯🐝

Today we celebrate the tiny but mighty pollinators that keep our farms, gardens, and food systems buzzing! Honey bees are essential for producing fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even honey—the sweet reward of their hard work. 🌾🍎🌻

Why Bees Matter in Agriculture:
• Bees pollinate about 1/3 of the food we eat, from apples to almonds 🍏🥜
• Healthy bee populations help farmers grow higher-quality crops 🌱
• Bees also produce honey and beeswax, supporting local farmers and markets 🍯
• Protecting pollinators means sustainable food and healthy ecosystems 🌎💚

Ways to Celebrate World Honey Bee Day:
🐝 Plant bee-friendly flowers and herbs 🌼🌿
📸 Share a photo of bees in your garden
🍯 Support local beekeepers by buying honey or beeswax products

Let’s give a big buzzing thank you to honey bees and the farmers who care for them! 🐝💛