(Iowa Capital Dispatch) Farmers and those living in rural parts of the country are affected by mental health issues, and statistically, die by suicide at higher rates than other segments of the population.
The volatile nature of farming, as well as a lack of mental health care available in rural communities and a stigma around asking for help contribute to the high rates of farmer mental health crises. That’s why the nonprofit organization Rural Minds said it launched a free, farmer mental health resilience program.
The program, which is available online, links to resources and information about mental health, and also provides farmers with access to a free, hour-long course from Cornell University. The course, which was designed for veterinary students, veterinarians and agribusiness professionals, provides an overview of mental health challenges in rural America and gives the virtual attendees “practical support strategies and resources.”
Farmers are getting ready to plant after several years of low commodity prices, trade uncertainty and high input costs for things like fertilizer, which could be increasing even more due to the war in the Middle East.
Jeff Winton, the founder and chairman of Rural Minds, said farmers face “a tremendous amount of uncertainty” even in “the best of years.”
“When these ongoing pressures are elevated by high input costs, trade volatility and worries about labor and immigration, stress levels can spiral out of control,” Winton said in a news release about the program.
The mental health resilience program, which is supported by the biochemistry company VM Agritech, links farmers and their families to crisis services, like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and also helps them to understand, identify and start conversations around mental health issues.
The website provides easy-to-digest fact sheets about topics like the warning signs of suicide, common mental health conditions and guidance on starting “non-judgmental” conversations with someone who might be struggling.
Rural Minds launched the program ahead of National Ag Day, March 24, which also coincides with “Iowa Ag Week” from March 23-30.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the week is a “great opportunity to celebrate the farm families and agricultural leaders who are helping keep Iowa and America strong.”
The agricultural appreciation week this year is also part of Iowa’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the country.
“Early Americans fought to defend our freedom and liberty, and for the last 250 years farmers have helped sustain that republic by producing the food, fuel, and fiber that keep our nation strong,” Naig said in a news release. “Here in Iowa, agriculture continues that proud tradition every single day.”
