Mark Mayfield, CSP, CPAE

Agriculture may be the highest-stress industry in America. A multitude of factors contribute to this, principally economic uncertainty and isolation.

This is why mental illness is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. But sadly, providers for treatment are fewer. 

It’s time to remove the stigma attached to mental health in rural America and deal with this head-on. And do it now.

Mark’s personal experience of being raised on a farm, plus his research, allows him a first-hand look at this crisis. This is not a morbid, negative program…exactly the opposite. It’s filled with uplifting advice and practical methods that will help one reset their baseline for happiness and success. It provides valuable insights and skills on coping and thriving.

And oh yeah, it’s funny. Very funny without being disrespectful to the issue. “Find Your Day” can help people in agriculture stay positive and focused on a brighter future.

LENGTH: ONE TO THREE HOURS

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE

ACKNOWLEDGE THE COVID STRUGGLES OF THE LAST TWO YEARS

IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRESS AND INCONVENIENCE

LEARN DAILY BEHAVIOR-MODIFYING SKILLS THAT MANAGE STRESS

LEARN RESPONSE TECHNIQUES FOR IMMEDIATE MOMENTS OF CRISIS

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE AND LAUGHTER

SPECIFIC CONCEPTS COVERED:

1. Stress is real in agriculture. The impact on our mental health and body are real. We must understand how our stress response works.

2. People are our greatest joy in life, but also our greatest cause of stress. Improving our human skills by recognizing our differences is key.

3. During difficult times, there are stress management techniques that we tend to forget. Time to put them back to work. And they’re free.

4. Permission to share and communicate is fundamental to problem solving and working through issues. Permission granted.

5. We all have what are called “Perspective Emergencies”, but there are techniques that can help us through these “moments of crisis”.

Learn these tips that are easy and that work.

6. We have all experienced a difficult time in life. It can’t be avoided. But you made it through, didn’t you? That becomes your baseline.

This program will be accompanied by a handout which will aid in review long after the program is over and does assist in reinforcing the material at the time of the presentation. The “take home” value is enhanced with this handout.

Despite the serious nature of this program, it is laced with humor. Simply put, it is hilarious. Laughter aids in the retention of the serious points of the program.

This is a humorous approach to a very serious subject  and emphasizes   that creativity is the key component in  managing change.  Learn change theory and creative  exercises in this upbeat, fast paced program that will leave you laughing and leave you with change management skills.

This program focuses on the changing face and challenges of agriculture, but is presented with Mark’s brand of clean comedy.  He’ll explain the reason change is hard for ag and the best response to ensure success and profitability.  He delves into the need for communication and activism and why we have to continue that ag spirit of optimism.  This keynote is topical and information packed, yet still filled with lots of humor.

Introductions, interviews, and monologues throughout with some comedic professionalism to keep the audience fully engaged and enjoying the event.  For the last decade he has been the Master of Ceremonies at the general session of Commodity Classic, the largest indoor ag show and exhibit in America.  Mark is not simply an Emcee, he’s your HOST!  

Stressed out?  Lethargic?  Burned out?  This program will help you solve those ills by learning five behaviors that will help balance your life and by learning  techniques to deal with your biggest stressor…PEOPLE!  This keynote is high on content AND hilarity.

This is clean stand-up comedy that’s perfect for after dinner entertainment or as a change of pace.  Sit back and hold your sides as we take a zany, offbeat look at everyday life.  A  non-stop, rollicking ride of humor you’ll be quoting for a very long time.

This light and lively program will help you see the customer’s perspective and examines issues like credibility, reliability, and responsiveness.  You’ll understand the myths and principles of client service and see how to move them beyond satisfaction to advocacy.  Hold on to your seats, this is a fast-paced, entertaining look why customers do what they do.

Adding humor (actually mirth) to your work and life can have profound economic benefits as well as just making it more fun.  Learn the value of a good sense of humor and how to improve yours in this outrageously funny, yet very practical program.