Elaine Froese - Planting the Seed of Hope

On July 20, at the induction of new members into the Agricultural Hall of Fame, the keynote speaker was Elaine Froese (top photo). Her speech was on the importance of celebrating - whether it is birthdays, anniversaries or being inducted into the Hall of Fame. ( see http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006/07/new-inductees-into-manitoba.html )

She put this in the context of the high frequency of stress in modern farm life. She spoke of the work of psychologist Dr. Nikki Gerrard of Saskatoon who has worked extensively on issues around farm stress. Nikki Gerrard emphasizes the importance of celebrating, the importance of keeping connected with family members, with friends and with others, and the importance of communicating with others about what is happening. In Elaine's speech and in her book, she has taken these three themes and she plants the seeds of hope for farm families. Well done Elaine!

For more about Elaine Froese, or about her book Planting the Seed of Hope, visit www.elainefroese.com