Letter from the Editor September 2024

Back to September 2024

Letter from the Editor graphic with a pecan background

Dear Reader,

Harvest is upon us! This month, growers in the Northern Hemisphere start shaking trees and collecting their 2024 crop. As we bring more nuts into the barn, the stress builds, and we may feel overwhelmed, alone, and just plain scared. The harvest season can be both an exciting and depressing time.

Thankfully, there are mental well-being resources that can help us during these difficult times. One resource specifically for farmers, farmworkers, and the entire ag community is the AgriStress Helpline. The AgriStress Helpline is the first ag-focused helpline. If you need someone to talk to, are worried about someone, or are simply wondering where you can find some resources to address certain farm-related worries, you can call or text the AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474.

This helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 833-897-2474 to find out what the AgriStress Helpline can do for you. You can also find other well-being and health resources at AgriSafe.org.

As we move through harvest, old and new worries may appear, but we can always turn to each other for support, camaraderie, and understanding. Take care of yourselves out there!

Until next time,

Catherine Clark

Managing Editor

For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s free helpline at 800-662-4357. For the AgriStress Helpline, call or text 833-897-2474. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Catherine Clark

Catherine Clark was the managing editor of Pecan South (2017-2024). She has her M.S. in Journalism from the University of Southern California, and her B.A. in Communication and Spanish from Trinity University. For questions, comments or concerns, she can be reached at cclark@pecansouthmagazine.com.