Sowing the Seeds of Support: Mental Health Efforts Making a Difference

Across the country, Farm Bureau leaders are stepping up to break the stigma and strengthen mental health in farm communities. In this session, you’ll hear real-world examples of how Farm Bureaus are raising awareness, expanding access to resources, and supporting the emotional well-being of farmers and ranchers. Whether it’s through innovative campaigns, community partnerships, or research and education, these efforts are making a difference—and sparking ideas others can take home. Come get inspired and discover what’s possible when we cultivate wellness together.

Speakers:

• Tara Beaver Coronado, Owner, Beaver Vineyards
• Amy Eckelberg, Executive Director, Public Relations, Wisconsin Farm Bureau
  
• Laura Haffner, Chair of the Kansas Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee, KSFB
• Jaime Jerrels, Senior Director, Policy and Outreach, Florida Farm Bureau
• Bailey Corwine, Communications Manager, AFBF
  

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Speaker Details

Tara Beaver Coronado

I grew up on a farm in Northern California where my family grew corn and alfalfa, and also ran a land-leveling business. In 2015 I moved back to help manage my family's farm. While working alongside my dad, I also started to search for my place in the world of agriculture. I found myself drawn to viticulture, and after a few years of learning as much as I could about growing wine grapes, I planted a 50-acre vineyard in 2018. Friends and family wanted to be able to follow along with my farming journey, so my social media channels were born. Since 2018 I have shared the good, bad, and ugly of agriculture across multiple social media channels.

Laura Haffner

Laura Haffner was elected Kansas Farm Bureau Women's Committee Chair at the 2021 KFB annual meeting. In 2020, she served as the state Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair, representing the perspective of young producers in her ex-officio role on the KFB Board of Directors. Haffner and her husband, Ryan, farm in Sheridan County where they raise wheat, corn and grain sorghum. They also own a custom harvesting operation that harvests wheat and small grains from north Texas to the Canadian border each summer. Laura has a master’s degree in biological sciences from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in agronomy from Kansas State University. She is an adjunct instructor at Fort Hays State University and has blogged for the High Plains Journal about harvest life. As a business owner, mom and wife, Laura has firsthand experience with the stresses those in agriculture face. This has ignited a passion to help end the stigma surrounding rural mental health and letting others know they aren’t alone.

Jamie Jerrels

Jaime Jerrels is the Senior Director of Policy and Outreach at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Jaime previously served for 11 years in the Agricultural Policy Department, most recently serving as Director. In her new position, she manages the Agricultural Policy, Local Government and Community Affairs, and Public Relations Departments. She serves these three teams, as well as assisting with policy development, policy implementation, industry relations, branding, messaging, and professional development. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communication and Leadership Development. Raised on a peanut and beef cattle farm, Jaime is the fifth generation of her family with a love for agriculture. She lives on her family’s farm with her husband, Lint, daughters, Savanna and Claire Vivian and sons, Lash, Stetson, and Sterling. Together they own J II Cattle, LLC – a cow/calf operation multiple Florida counties.

Bailey Corwine

Bailey Corwine is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications Manager, specializing in external media relations. Additionally, Bailey serves as the communications lead for AFBF’s mental health initiative, Farm State of Mind. She helps manage Farm State of Mind resources, develop the campaign’s messaging and strategically plan for the initiative’s future. Bailey graduated in 2019 from the University of Arkansas and has been with AFBF since September of 2020. In her free time, she enjoys live music, the outdoors and adventuring with her two dogs, Duck and Goose.