Monte Vista — The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union has been awarded a grant to host an agricultural behavioral-health summit in Monte Vista this year, organizers told the Agriculture Behavioral Health Working Group.

Carlisle Stewart, who coordinates membership and the Ag Well program for RMFU, said the organization received $7,400 to sponsor a summit before December. "The goal of the first part of the summit ... is to create a space where rural behavioral health professionals and those in ag-adjacent roles can convene," Stewart said. He explained RMFU is proposing a two-part approach: one day focused on provider networks and service coordination; a second day focused on farmers and ranchers with music, food and an open mic to allow producers to tell their stories.

Stewart said the tentative dates and location are set for November in Monte Vista at the Sky High Complex, and he invited working-group members to propose speakers, workshops and how RMFU could partner with local groups and providers. Attendees recommended offering continuing-education opportunities for providers and stipends for producers who would travel to the event.

Why it matters: The summit aims to connect regional providers with agricultural communities and to create locally tailored materials and relationships that organizers hope will improve access to behavioral-health care in rural counties.

Organizers asked for help with outreach, translation and producer engagement; RMFU said they will continue planning on monthly calls and will seek community partners to expand the invitation list.