The 118th National Farmers Union’s Convention will take place March 1st-3rd in Savanah, GA. Patty Edleberg, Vice President at NFU said this year’s event will feature many exciting topics focused on farming in the 21st century.

She said topics of note this year will focus on regenerative Ag, farm to table, as well as mental health. Edleberg noted with bankruptcy rates on the way up, challenges when it comes to financing the farm, and climate change, today’s American farmer is under a great deal of pressure.

“The suicide rate for farming and anybody involved in agriculture is the highest of any industry, including those who are veterans.  So, it’s two times that of veterans and five times that of the general public.  So, there’s only 2% of our population is involved in agriculture in one way or another, and to have that be the highest suicide rate is quite scary.”

Edleberg noted the industry is doing a good job trying to break the stigma of mental health, but a lot of work remains. She added as in year’s past the NFU will have their policy debate which will decide the direction the organization goes in the next year. Plus, the election of a new NFU President after Roger Johnson announced his retirement.

Visit the National Farmers Union’s Website to learn more about this year's Convention.

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