Today marks Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.
The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind campaign builds awareness to reduce stigma and provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness.
Farming is a stressful occupation that is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. Experiences such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors all contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers who often live in a very isolated setting. It is important to break the stigma around mental health challenges and encourage those struggling to reach out for help. To build a sustainable future for agriculture for our nation and our world, we must promote the wellbeing of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins about mental health in agriculture and what steps the USDA can take to better support farmers and ranchers. I also sat down with sixth-generation farmer Lukas Fricke, who farms alongside his brother near Ulysses, Nebraska. Lukas shared how his generation is approaching mental health—and the unique pressures that come with life on the farm.
