Content by Andrea Bjornestad

Calling Annie’s Project alumni: SDSU Extension offering virtual suicide prevention training

June 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is offering virtual suicide prevention training called Question, Persuade, Refer for Annie’s Project alumni on July 30, 2025.

SDSU Extension offers virtual suicide prevention training

January 03, 2025

QPR is a 60-minute, evidence-based training that teaches three simple steps anyone can learn. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope and get people the help they need.

Middle-age couple uses binoculars during a sunset hike.

Healthy Aging in Midlife: Is Midlife Crisis Real?

Midlife can be defined as a pivotal time in life where changes occur related to physical health, cognitive functioning, and well-being.

Father, son, and grandchild gathered at family farmyard.

Mental Health: Recognizing and Managing Stress

Feeling stressed on the farm or ranch? Learn how to recognize stress, manage it, and find the support you need to overcome it.

Older adult looking holding hands with young girl, while a father and son look on from a distance

Question Persuade Refer Training

SDSU Extension provides QPR (Question Persuade Refer) trainings to agricultural groups and rural communities interested in preventing suicide. The goal of this training is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors.

Thankfulness: Creating a Culture of Gratitude

Why should we create a culture of gratitude? Research shows that feeling appreciated creates more-productive environments at work, as well as healthier, more long-lasting relationships. Learn some expert tips for getting started this holiday season!

Mother helping her son prepare his school backpack.

Summer Fun is Done: Tips for Transitioning Back to School

Heading back to school and the lifestyle adjustments that comes with it can be a stressful process for both kids and parents. Learn some tips for managing stress during this challenging transition.

Female Native American rancher gazing into an open rangeland.

Taking Time for Reflection: Managing Stress With Positive Thinking

The practice of positive thinking can improve your physical and mental health, and new perspectives and optimism can bring renewed strength to managing stress on the farm and at home.

scrabble tiles arranged to spell mental health

SDSU Extension Announces Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program

February 24, 2022

Brookings, S.D. – SDSU Extension, the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource (DANR) have launched an Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher program.

A rancher inspecting a sample of alflafa in an open range.

Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program

The voucher program provides funding for free mental health counseling services to farm families.