Co-op Brings High-Tech Sports Training to Iowa Farmers with New Hire

In an unprecedented move, the Landus Co-op in Des Moines, Iowa, is revolutionizing the way farmers approach their physical and mental health by introducing high-tech sports training typically reserved for elite athletes.

To lead this innovative initiative, the co-op has hired Dr. Dehra Harris, an athletic physician with a distinguished background in athletic training for Toronto Blue Jays minor-league baseball players.

Dr. Harris is excited to bring her expertise to the rural community, where the demands on physical performance are relentless.

"You don't have days off. You can't take it easy, right? It's that 'rub some dirt on it' kind of world. And to be able to take the things that we've been learning, in sports and in medicine, and apply it to this group is just an incredible opportunity."

Harris's approach begins with understanding the specific physical needs of farmers, tailoring nutrition and recovery programs to suit their demanding schedules. She is prepared to respond to the unique challenges of farm life, whether it involves assisting a farmer delivering a calf at three in the morning or addressing chronic physical strains from daily labor.

However, her mission extends beyond physical training. Recognizing the mental health challenges within the agricultural community, particularly the heightened suicide rates reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harris aims to create comprehensive wellness plans. These plans will address both physical and mental health needs, fostering a holistic approach to farmer well-being.

Harris acknowledges the challenge of gaining insight into the personal struggles of farmers, who often prioritize discussing their families and farms over their own needs.

"I love it when I talk to farmers because I'm going to hear all about their family. I'll hear about everything to do with their farm but I'm also not going to hear a lot about what they need. So, we think that the strategies that are actually going to work best here are actually to approach this as a family, and see what the needs are for the whole unit."

Landus Co-op's initiative is among the first of its kind in the United States, setting a new standard for supporting the backbone of America's agricultural production.

With Dr. Harris at the helm, the co-op is poised to make significant strides in improving the overall health and well-being of farmers, blending cutting-edge sports training techniques with compassionate, community-focused care.

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