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September 28, 2026
Montana Farmers Union (MFU) presents ‘Serenity in the Storm,’ a free community initiative featuring acclaimed Montana musician and mental health speaker Jason DeShaw.
The programs – designed for farmers, ranchers, and rural families – bring together live music, personal storytelling, and honest conversations to create an opportunity to address mental health issues, reduce stigma, and highlight hope, resilience, and community support.
Each gathering includes a Farmer’s Share Dinner featuring locally-sourced foods, Montana-made desserts, and a family-friendly soda station. Local FFA and 4-H members will also participate, bringing their perspectives to events centered on rural communities. The series also highlights MFU’s commitment to strengthening rural communities and supporting mental wellness through available programs and local resources.
DeShaw grew up working on a farm and ranch and has recorded seven albums and toured eight countries. His journey has taken him from high school gymnasiums to the lecture halls of Harvard, using music and real-life experiences to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it. University research has shown that DeShaw’s work has significantly reduced mental health stigma while encouraging Montana youth to seek support when they need it.
DeShaw nearly lost his life to mental illness and addiction and is living proof that hope can be life-changing. He received the Champions Award in Washington, D.C., from the National Alliance on Mental Illness for “exhibiting courage, leadership and service on behalf of all people living with mental illness.”
Event locations and times:
Havre (4-H Chuckwagon Building, Sept. 28, 5 pm)
To register, please visit www.montanafarmersunion.com/serenity-in-the-storm/
