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South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a series of webinars on mental health and well-being for rural residents.
Mental health and well-being should be a priority and not an after-thought, said Andrea Bjornestad, professor and SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist. People in rural communities and who work in agriculture face unique stressors and often balance multiple roles that can make it difficult to prioritize their mental health.
“Supporting the people behind agriculture is just as important as supporting the agricultural industry itself,” Bjornestad said. “By making mental health a more comfortable and common conversation, we can help people recognize when they or someone they care about may need support and encourage them to take that important step.”
These free webinars are part of the Strong Minds Strong Farms webinar series; they are from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CST on Nov. 19 and 23, 2026, and from 12:30 to 2 p.m. CST on Nov. 30, 2026. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “strong”.
The first presentation, “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish”, will help participants recognize their own signs of stress and understand when stress may develop into something more serious like anxiety or depression. Participants will also engage in mindfulness activities and explore practical, everyday strategies for supporting mental well-being, including positive thinking and practicing gratitude.
On Nov. 23, participants will learn how to strengthen relationships with active listening skills, including interactive and practice scenarios. On Nov. 30, participants will receive Question, Persuade, Refer training, which teaches how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and act accordingly.
This program is inspired by Annie’s Project, which is designed for women in agriculture and available to all interested in agricultural business.
SDSU Extension news release
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