Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Slated To Grow In 2020

Last year the USDA dedicated $2 million dollars for each of four regional projects looking to help farmers and those in agriculture struggling with mental health issues.  Now, according to Politico, leaders are exploring best ways to help farmers in need, whether through hotlines and resource directories, as well as financial and legal consulting.  Thanks to $100 million approved in the 2020 spending law, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is slated to grow as the year continues.

The program is modeled after AgriWellness, a Midwest organization founded by agriculture worker behavior expert Mike Rosmann.  Natalie Roy, executive director of AgriSafe Network, a grant recipient, said regions should “push the envelope” and vet new ways to provide assistance, such as exploring telemedicine tailored specifically to agricultural workers.

“It’s up to regions to think of innovative services to fill those gaps,” she told Politico.

Farmers and farm workers have some of the highest rates of suicide of any occupation.  And providers are worried that the ongoing mental health crisis could worsen as the industry continues to deal with weak finances, heightened trade tensions and devastating weather.

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