Events

Kent County Farm Bureau invites all Farm Bureau members in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, and Ionia Counties to a First Identifier Dinner and Training on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. We don't have to tell you about the stress and isolation of farming. When we say "rural mental health crisis" there are likely names coming to your mind. But we also don't have to tell you that farmers love to have the tools to fix a problem, and that's what this training will give you. 

Too often, the first signs of someone's mental health struggle go unnoticed — or are noticed, but no one knows what to do next. That's where the First Identifiers program comes in. A First Identifier isn't a counselor or medical expert. They're the person at the post office, the feed store, or the Friday night bonfire who notices when something's off—and knows what to do next. 

This life-changing evening, led by Ian Hill, award-winning rural mental health advocate, will give you the knowledge and confidence to be the person who steps in early, before a challenge becomes a crisis. Over dinner, you'll learn how to: 

Recognize the earliest, often subtle signs of mental health struggles 

Start compassionate, stigma-free conversations that open doors 

Connect individuals to the right help and resources before it's too late 

This isn't theory — it's a hands-on, skills-based training designed for everyday people. Whether you're a farmer, teacher, business owner, coach, or neighbor, you'll leave knowing exactly how to make a difference when it matters most. 

Please RSVP by September 26 | surveymonkey.com/r/7LCB9NQ 

The First Identifiers Training and Dinner will be at the Fairway Building of the Grand Agricultural Events Center (13995 Cascade Road, Lowell). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner provided at 6:00 p.m. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude around 9:00 p.m. 

The people closest to the problem are best suited to solve it, so please share this with others who want to make a difference for their neighbors and their community! 

Please contact the Kent County Farm Bureau office with any questions: (616)782-1092, [email protected]. 

Sincerely, 
Kent County Farm Bureau Board of Directors 
Kent County Farm Bureau Young Farmers 
Michigan Farm Bureau District 4 Young Farmers