Celebrate Dairy Month: Fun for Farm Lovers and the Importance of Farmers’ Mental Health – Civic Media

June is a special time in Wisconsin, especially for dairy lovers. This month is filled with events that let people experience modern farming up close. From delicious dairy breakfasts to farm tours, it’s a great chance to see where our food comes from. You can check out a list of events here.

According to Jahnke, there are about 16 dairy events happening every weekend in June. She encourages everyone to visit the farms and meet the cows. “There’s amazing technology that helps keep cows comfortable, especially in hot weather,” she notes. This tech is crucial as farmers constantly monitor weather conditions that can affect their crops and livestock.

Farmers are always concerned about the weather. Jahnke mentions, “We could use some more growing degree days. While heat can help, high humidity can stress crops.” For example, when the temperatures soar into the 90s, corn plants often stress out, trying to conserve moisture. This is a common misunderstanding; many think crops thrive in constant heat.

Sudden frosts can also pose a serious threat during the growing season. Jahnke recalls a Father’s Day frost that once harmed young corn plants. The fix? “We had to remove the dead tissues, which seems wild. But luckily, the plants recovered because their growing points were still safe underground.” Farming in Northeast Wisconsin can be unpredictable.

The conversation shifts to a more serious topic: mental health in agriculture. Jahnke highlights the changes in farm families today. Fewer farms are passed down through generations, and many families have multiple jobs and outside interests. This shift leads to isolation among farmers, who often spend long hours alone. “Many times, it’s just the farmer, their dog, and a few visitors,” she explains. The pandemic intensified this isolation when social gatherings disappeared.

Additionally, the pandemic exposed the fragility of the food supply chain. “Processors couldn’t take milk or meat during the peak of the crisis. Some farmers even had to dump their products, unsure of when and if they would sell again,” Jahnke shares. The uncertainty about grocery shelf availability made the situation especially daunting for farmers.

June Dairy Month brings attention to Wisconsin’s rich agricultural history but also reminds us of the ongoing challenges farmers face, from extreme weather to mental health issues. Jahnke emphasizes, “We really need to keep the conversation going. Mental health services are essential now more than ever.”

For those interested in more about farming issues in Wisconsin, Jahnke’s insights are shared through local Civic Media radio stations. You can find your local station here.

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