Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the real answer to epidemic farmer suicides is not just social, but economic, getting demand and prices back up. Perdue recently opened up about the sensitive subject of increasing farmer suicides. He said one-on-one help to those under great stress is only part of the answer.

“We got this farmer stress network. What we’re trying to communicate to farmers [is], it’s ok to talk to somebody. That’s the main thing and we’re there to listen in that way.  But it’s really challenging in how we can change that curve, other than in profitability.”

Low-prices, bad weather, and near-record debt have led to rising bankruptcies and an increase in farmer-suicides. Montana Senator Jon Tester recently told Perdue.

“I just read an article earlier this week on dairy farmers that are committing suicide at record rates. It’s not good in farm country, it’s not good. Prices aren’t good, folks are getting taken advantage of by packers. It’s an isolated population, anyway. A lot of times, there’s not a lot of folks out there that can help them.” 

The only two farmers in the Senate, Tester and Iowa’s Chuck Grassley, have proposed a voluntary stress management training program for FSA, RMA and NRCS employees, and $3 million to raise public awareness of the issue.

If you, or someone you know needs, help, keep these phone numbers handy. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “HELLO” to 741741.

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