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F.A.R.M.: Fostering Ag Resilience through Mentorship

Fresh Harvest 365, provides hands-on career experience for underserved communities while filling an industry need for ag talent.

Most days, you’ll find Pat Morgan in the field. He and the other scientists on his team dedicate a lot of time and resources to counting plants, measuring their development and productivity, and taking tissue samples.

Afterall, the seeds they plant – being tested in the ground for the first time – are contenders for a coveted spot in the lineup for the company’s Breeding, Biologics, and plant Biotechnology pipelines.

Tracking data on a ‘per plant’ basis, with every single seed followed throughout its life cycle, is no small effort: “This year we ran 55,000 plots, and we’re collecting a little over 3 million data points,” Pat said. “It takes an army to get this work done, and you need to have some level of knowledge going in to really be effective.”

A new initiative offers a unique solution to bringing more skilled ag workers to the field. Bayer is collaborating with St. Louis startup company, Fresh Harvest 365, as part of a new F.A.R.M. (Fostering Ag Resilience Through Mentorship) program.

F.A.R.M. pulls students from diverse backgrounds in St. Louis and from several regional universities into an apprenticeship program, which includes 210 hours of e-learning courses and 3,000 hours of on-the-job training in agriculture. The on- the-job training portion of the apprenticeship was a perfect fit for Bayer.

F.A.R.M. program apprentices in the field in Monmouth IL.

During summer 2024, a F.A.R.M. pilot involved about 30 students from diverse backgrounds who were hired as apprentices at the Bayer Crop Science Jerseyville and Monmouth, Illinois, and Chesterfield, Missouri, locations. Several St. Louis non-profit organizations also joined the pilot to provide additional support such as transportation, housing, mentoring, and workplace readiness.

The program offered invaluable experience to the students, according to Jennifer Becker, who initiated Bayer’s collaboration with FreshHarvest365. “The apprentices worked side-by-side in the field with Ph.D.-level scientists, collecting phenotype data and learning from them,” she said.

The program also has been a benefit to Bayer, solving the annual challenge of finding seasonal workers who have the ag background and interest to be most effective. “The hires from Fresh Harvest come to us with ag training and an interest in making agriculture a career field,” Pat said.

The St. Louis University City School District recently introduced an Ag Program track to its curriculum. Thanks in part to awareness generated by the F.A.R.M. pilot, enrollment in the Ag track for the 2024/25 school year increased from about 16 students to nearly 100 students. Several other school districts with similar demographics would like to follow suit with ag programming options for their students.

In January 2025, Bayer will expand its offerings, including bringing around 40 local community college students to its Urbandale, Iowa, and Whitestown, Indiana, facilities.

Following the success of the pilot, the team expects to expand regionally into a broader vision “IM IIN,” which aims to open opportunities in the states of Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska by the end of 2025. Fresh Harvest has initiated conversations with Iowa State University and University of Nebraska- Lincoln about expansion opportunities with possible placement at Bayer facilities.

Jennifer is proud to see how quickly Bayer’s collaboration with FreshHarvest365 has grown.

“I have almost 30 years with the company, and it is certainly a highlight of my career,” Jennifer said. “It is heartwarming to be involved in something that has such huge impact for our organization and for the students, providing new ways for our organization to work with the community and to support the next generation of ag leaders.”

Article Source: https://www.bayer.com/en/us/news-stories/fostering-ag-resilience-through-mentorship

Jewish Funeral Services on Long Island – JMChapels

Walking the Grief Road: Finding Healing Beyond Funerals

The period following a funeral is often marked by a profound sense of loss and the complex emotions that accompany grief. As we work to come to terms with the death of a loved one, it is critical to navigate the grief journey with compassion, self-awareness, and the recognition that healing is a very personal process. In this exploration, we delve into the post-funeral phase, shedding light on strategies for processing grief and finding comfort after the loss of a loved one.

1. Embrace all emotions

Grief is a multifaceted experience that encompasses a range of emotions from sadness and anger to confusion and even relief. Giving yourself permission to feel and express these emotions without judging is crucial. Everyone’s journey through grief is unique, and acknowledging the complexity of these feelings is a critical step in healing.

2. Seek support from loved ones

After the funeral, the support of friends and family becomes a vital pillar. Surrounding yourself with understanding and compassionate people can bring comfort and a sense of connection. Sharing memories, expressing feelings, or simply being with people you care about can ease the burden of grief and create a supportive environment.

3. Professional Counseling and Grief Support Groups

Sometimes the burden of grief requires the guidance of a professional counselor or participation in a grief support group. A trained therapist can provide tools for coping with loss and offer a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions. Support groups, whether in person or online, allow grievers to connect with others going through similar experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and shared strength.

4. Remember the dead

Finding meaningful ways to honor the deceased can be therapeutic and comforting during the grieving process. Creating a memorial, attending a charity event, or participating in a ceremony that was significant to a loved one can be a way to maintain a connection and celebrate the impact they had on our lives.

5. Establish a memorial ceremony

Rituals play a vital role in the post-funeral period, providing structure and continuity during times of profound change. Establishing a personal memorial ritual, such as lighting candles, visiting a memorial site, or taking specific time for reflection, can create moments of solace and express ongoing love and connection.

6. Commemorate milestones and anniversaries

Anniversaries and milestones can trigger waves of grief as time passes. Acknowledging these moments and finding ways to honor them can be a means of healing. Whether through quiet reflection, shared activities, or creating a memorial, recognizing these milestones can integrate grief into the ongoing narrative of life.

7. Make time for self-care

When going through grief, self-care becomes an integral aspect of the healing process. Taking time to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental health is crucial. Whether through rest, movement, creative activity, or simple quiet contemplation, self-care can lay the foundation for resilience and strength in the face of loss.

Exploring the Uncharted Territory of Grief - Jewish Funeral Service Long Island

The period after a funeral is a time of challenge and change. Navigating the uncharted territory of grief requires patience, self-compassion, and the recognition that healing is an ongoing process. By accepting complex emotions, seeking support, and finding personalized ways to honor and remember the person who has passed, individuals can move on with strength and gradually transform grief into lasting love and cherished memories.

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