The agriculture industry is facing a mental health crisis, and efforts to address it are showing positive results. However, there are concerns among mental health advocates that the progress made by the USDA’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network may be at risk in the next farm bill.
Dr. Florence Becot from Penn State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program explains that the network was established by the 2018 Farm Bill and needs reauthorization to continue its work. There is anxiety among those involved in providing mental health services for farmers about the possibility of funding not being renewed and the potential loss of all the progress that has been made.
Research conducted by Becot in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota shows significant growth in the number of organizations providing mental health resources for farmers between 2019 and 2022. The increase in awareness and access to these resources has resulted in greater openness among farmers to discuss their mental health struggles and seek help.
Senator Debbie Stabenow’s farm bill framework includes more funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, while the Republican outline in the House does not mention the program. The importance of supporting the mental health of farmers in the agriculture industry is highlighted in these efforts to ensure that resources and services continue to be available to those who need them.
