A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous loss and farming is a workbook and training from University of Minnesota Extension to help farm families understand and name ambiguous loss, and to provide strategies for moving forward.
This curriculum is designed for
- Educators
- Public health administrators
- Social workers
- Clergy
- Others who have an interest in helping farm families.
This is an interactive workbook that includes questions and activities along the way to increase understanding.
Participants will learn about
- Ambiguous loss
- How to consider their own situation in light of this perspective
- How to confront ambiguous losses and move forward
What is ambiguous loss?
Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss without closure. The lack of clarity is based on something or someone being both here and not here at the same time, such as a missing person or someone who has dementia. Others may not recognize the loss, and people may not be able to move forward in solving the original need or problem.
Ambiguous loss theory has long been used to support family therapy in cases such as terminal illnesses and children leaving home. However, ambiguous loss also has many applications for families in the farming industry. In the changing farm and rural landscape, loss of land, livestock, changing markets, and even relationships can be ambiguous losses that lead many to feel “stuck.”
Bring this program to your community: In-person or online
Extension will offer training on this curriculum in-person and virtually to those who are interested in using it in their work with farm families.
The A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous loss and farming curriculum includes educational presentations, discussion topics, and additional activities to engage farm families with the workbook more intentionally.
Contact Emily Krekelberg, Extension educator, at [email protected] or 612-756-3977.
Boss, P., Bryant, C. M., & Mancini, J. A. (2017). Family stress management: A contextual approach. (3rd Ed.). Sage Publications.
Reviewed in 2026