Boosting the Social Life of Aging Farmers in U.S.

Farmer’s Yards - Fostering Community and Wellbeing

Farmer’s Yards, a community-building initiative crafted at the University of Galway, has found a new home among Pennsylvania’s farming community. This program, aimed particularly at older farmers, promotes social inclusion and addresses mental health challenges within the agricultural sector.

Implemented by Pennsylvania Farm Link, a nonprofit dedicated to sustaining farming’s future in the state, Farmer’s Yards offers a lifeline to farmers transitioning from active work. Dr. Shane Conway, initiator of the program at University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre, emphasizes its global relevance.  

“The recent implementation of Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania showcases its universal appeal and adaptability for farming communities across the world," Dr. Conway noted, highlighting the initiative's significance for farmers over 65, the fastest-growing group within the farming population.

These gatherings not only encourage social interaction but also help participants navigate the complexities of aging in an active and identity-rich profession.

Pennsylvania’s adoption of the program involved initial funding from the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center at the University of Delaware, facilitated by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The initiative kicked off during the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, drawing considerable interest from the state’s elderly farmers.

“Farmer’s Yards offers a meaningful way for these farmers to stay connected and engaged with fellow farmers at a similar stage of life, fostering inclusion and addressing the uncertainties and fears that often accompany stepping back from active farming,” said Dr. Conway.

Darlene Livingston, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Farm Link, further noted the program's tailored approach to meet local needs, adhering closely to the model developed at University of Galway.

The initiative’s next steps include expanding these social gatherings to more rural communities across Pennsylvania, ensuring that older farmers remain integrated and valued within their communities.

As Farmer’s Yards continues to grow, it serves as a model for how social initiatives can adapt to meet the specific needs of aging populations in various global settings, particularly in sectors as vital as agriculture.

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