Ag Mental Wellness Resources
AgriStress Response Network supporting ag industry with mental wellness resources.
In recognition of mental health awareness month in May, AgriSafe Network launched a national network of agriculture professionals who are committed to sharing non-proprietary information, ensuring that resources and trainings are widely disseminated to reduce farmer and rancher stress. AgriStress Response Network seeks to eliminate the stigma of seeking support for mental health, including depression, anxiety and farmer suicide.
While 20% of any population has mental health complications, including farmers and ranchers, stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health issues may mean many people do not seek available behavioral health services.
Many of the factors that affect agricultural production are largely beyond the control of the producer. For example, isolation, variability in weather, lack of access to health services and low commodity prices could have a direct effect on the rise in mental health issues. Good health, including mental health, is a key factor contributing to one’s ability to keep farming.
A national poll conducted by American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in 2019-2021 has shown financial issues and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting farmers’ mental health. These recent data speak to the urgency of identifying local resources that can help farmers and ranchers cope with chronic stress and mental health concerns.
AgriStress Response Network will contribute to sparsely available tools, specifically targeting rural and agricultural communities. Tara Haskins, Total Farmer Health director, provides clinical, educational and mental health expertise for AgriSafe’s health initiatives and funded programming. She serves as lead for AgriStress Response Network and mental health programs, drawing from her clinical experiences in behavioral health and substance-use disorders.
AgriSafe is proud of its history to “Protect the People Who Feed the World” through programming targeting rural health professionals, ag producers, and health and safety professionals. To connect with the AgriStress Response Network, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AgriStressResponse. For more information on AgriStress Response Network and Total Farm Health programming, please contact Haskins at 318-545-5400 or email thaskins@agrisafe.org.
Editor’s note: Knesha Rose-Davison is the public health program director for the AgriSafe Network.
