Healthy Harvest: Supporting Farmers Through Uncertain Times
As the fall season draws to a close, Kane County’s farmers are finishing their harvests, and the results are impressive. From corn and soybeans to grains and pumpkins, the abundance of the region’s fertile soil is proudly displayed at farm stands, grocery stores, and markets across the county.
This harvest represents the culmination of months of dedication, long hours, and hard work. However, the year has not been without challenges. Extreme weather patterns, fluctuating commodity prices, and ongoing market uncertainty have left many farmers questioning their financial stability.
For a deeper understanding of these challenges, readers are encouraged to explore the work of award-winning agricultural journalist Chris Clayton, Ag Editor at Progressive Farmer. Clayton, who has been named Writer of the Year by the American Agricultural Editors’ Association and honored with multiple awards for excellence in agricultural reporting—including the Glenn Cunningham Agricultural Journalist of the Year Award—has also recently featured Kane County’s Farmland Protection Program in a published article. His work can be read here:
🔗 Chris Clayton – DTN Progressive Farmer
Farmer Health & Resilience: Help Is Available
In times of uncertainty and stress, farmers are encouraged to seek support from family, friends, neighbors, and trusted colleagues. They are not alone—and resources are available to help.
Some of the most valuable tools for managing stress, improving resilience, and prioritizing mental health include:
North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Resource Center: farmstress.org
Compeer Financial – Mental Health & Farmer Well-being: compeer.com/articles/prioritizing-mental-health-commitment-to-farmer-well-being
Illinois Farm Bureau – Mental Health & Wellness Resources: ilfb.org/resources/farmer-rural-resources/mental-health-wellness
Kane County Health Department – Farm Health Resources: kanehealth.com/Pages/Farm-Health.aspx
Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Program – Winter 2026
Kane County will soon host a nationally recognized training program specifically designed for the agricultural community: Mental Health First Aid for Farmers. This course helps those who work with or support farmers recognize early signs of stress and mental strain and connect individuals to appropriate resources and support.
Additional details, including registration information, will be announced through Kane Connects and the Growing for Kane newsletter.
Kane County Agriculture: Programs & Partnerships
The Kane County Agriculture team, in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, Kane County Farm Bureau, Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Kane County Economic Development Commission, continues to expand resources and funding opportunities for local farmers.
Current initiatives include:
Conservation practices and technical support
Women in Agriculture meet-ups
Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs
Local food and farm grant assistance
Market development and expansion
Kane County extends appreciation to its philanthropic partners—including the Donnelley Foundation, Compeer Financial, FLO: Food, Land, Opportunity, Openlands, and the ComEd Green Region Grant—for their financial support of past, ongoing, and future agricultural initiatives.
Together, the community continues to strengthen the health, prosperity, and resilience of local farming families. As farmers feed the community, the community can, in turn, feed theirs—with support, connection, and gratitude.
