USDA grant brings free wellness series to farmers and ranchers in western Montana

BOZEMAN - Farmers and ranchers across western Montana are invited to participate in Better Together: A Wellness Series for Farmers and Ranchers, a free, in-person workshop series made possible through a newly awarded U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program grant.

The series is led by MSU Extension in Missoula County in partnership with Deep Roots Montana. It aims to support the mental, emotional and social well-being of agricultural producers facing increasing pressures related to climate uncertainty, market volatility, long work hours and isolation.

"Farmers and ranchers are incredibly resilient, but resilience does not mean going it alone," said Sarah Holden, horticulture agent with MSU Extension in Missoula County. "This WRASAP grant allows us to offer practical, evidence-based tools and create a supportive space where producers can connect, build skills and strengthen their well-being."

Julie Engh Peters, one of the workshop facilitators, is co-owner of Red Hen Farm and Orchard in Missoula County and a certified life coach with Deep Roots Montana. Peters brings both farming experience and professional training in mindfulness, mental fitness and emotional regulation.

"This work is deeply meaningful and deeply demanding," said Peters. "We are offering this series as an act of gratitude and support for farmers and ranchers who give so much of themselves to their land and communities. Participants will leave with tangible practices they can realistically use in daily life."

Each session is interactive and hands-on, focusing on stress management, mindfulness, emotional agility and strategies for navigating uncertainty in agricultural life. Light refreshments will be provided.

The free workshops will be held Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 9 and 23 at The Exploration Center in Missoula, located at 1075 South Ave. W.

The workshops are open to producers from Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sanders counties, as well as surrounding areas. Advance registration and completion of a brief survey are required. For more information or to register, contact Holden or visit https://missoulaeduplace.org/get-involved/our-calendar.html/event/2026/01/12/better-together-a-wellness-series-for-farmers-ranchers-register-here/547967.