About the Community Spotlight:
We know that conversations about mental health in agriculture are most powerful when they come from within the community itself — from the people who live it every day.
Through our Community Spotlight series, we’re sharing the voices of our We Talk. We Grow. Champions and Ambassadors: individuals who are helping break the silence and make space for meaningful conversations around mental wellness on and off the farm.
In this edition, we’re featuring We Talk. We Grow. Champion, Kim Davis (to learn more about our We Talk. We Grow. Champions, click here).
Can you tell us about your connection to agriculture — whether you’re farming or supporting farmers — and what inspired you to get involved in the industry?
After returning from Bosnia in 1993, Blair was diagnosed with service-related PTSD. Blair and his wife Kim started a therapy farm to help him to cope. Kim left her career, helped to initiate their therapy farm and now 8 years later is on a journey to help many others by opening their farm to the public.
To support the farm, each goats-milk soap is crafted as a symbol of mental health awareness, made with love and compassion with the help of many. The farm is now expanding to include dairy products for pets.
Why do you think mental health is such an important topic in the farming community?
Farming can be overwhelming and sometimes we need to talk about the struggles we all face so others know they are not alone.
Is there a moment or season that challenged you the most? How did you get through it?
Winter is the hardest season when the snow hits. It makes it a struggle to get to the barn and feed the animals. We have learned to take it slow and work as a team.
How do you think farmers and their support networks can better support each other?
I think having access to an online forum could help farmers connect and ask questions
What’s one small thing you do to take care of your mental health on a regular basis?
We spend quiet time with our farm animals, separate from caring for them.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone — whether they’re a farmer or supporting farmers — who’s struggling?
Just know that you are not alone. Reach out and use the resources that are available to you.
See you next time!
Stay tuned for more stories in our Community Spotlight series, and if their words resonated with you, consider sharing this blog post with someone who might need to hear it.
#WeTalkWeGrow
