Dear John,

Thank you to everyone who sent in Farmer Hero nominations. These family farmers and ranchers are truly making a difference, and we're so happy to meet them.

This month, we're highlighting two of your Farmer Heroes who are working extra hard to protect the soil and our food system for future generations. Click through to meet David Vetter from Marquette, Nebraska, and Evan Gregoire from Portland, Oregon.

Do you have a Farmer Hero? We’re always excited to learn about innovative farmers and ranchers. Fill out our nomination form and we may feature them in an upcoming newsletter!

We’ve worked over the past couple of years to expand our Farmer Services offerings, including significantly growing our hotline team and expanding the hotline’s operating hours. What’s also new is our leadership and partnership with other organizations on a large-scale, national grant called the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). This grant attempts to close gaps around mental health resources for farmers. Read an interview with members of our hotline team to learn about FRSAN and how we help farmers.

Also, a new podcast produced by our FRSAN partners has launched. It's called Cultivating Resilience, and features farmers sharing stories and experts sharing resources. Check out the first episode!

It's heating up outside, which means if you're planting a garden, it's time to start! Many home gardeners plant in raised beds to make gardening easier and to reduce their risk of soil contamination. Learn how to make them in our HOMEGROWN 101.