UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Anyone interested in supporting farmers, addressing farm stress and improving the well-being of the farm community is invited to attend a Penn State Extension workshop titled “Pennsylvania AgForum: Taking Action Together for Our Agricultural Community.” 

The event will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19, 2025, at Toftrees Hotel and Golf Resort, 1 Country Club Lane, State College. Participants can attend the event at no charge, and lunch will be provided. Early registration is encouraged and appreciated, organizers said. 

The program is designed to bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors — including agriculture, health care, finance, mental health and government — to explore the connections between the health, well-being and vitality of farms and the people who work with and support farm families in Pennsylvania. 

Utilizing a methodology known as "Strategic Doing," participants will collaborate to create short-term goals that can be reached in three months or less. These goals focus on helping farmers and their families. Strategic Doing can address challenging issues by leveraging networks for rapid problem-solving, which is crucial for agricultural success today, organizers noted. The forum is aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue and cooperation among attendees to drive positive change within Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector. 

Participants can learn about the latest information on farm health and viability in Pennsylvania and the impact of stressors on productivity. 

Those interested in learning more can complete the survey here.

This project is funded by the Cultivemos/Northeast Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant, coordinated by the National Young Farmers Coalition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its National Institute of Food and Agriculture also support this program through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website.