KANSAS WHEAT COMMISSION
Life on the farm has never been easy. Long hours, unpredictable weather and volatile markets are part of the job, but in recent years, wheat growers and farmers across the country have faced a wave of challenges that go beyond the fields. Rising debt, shrinking margins and isolation have placed enormous strain on rural families. Tragically, farm organizations, including the National Association of Wheat Growers, have reported an increase in suicides among producers, often younger growers without the financial cushion to withstand the hardships of modern agriculture.
The Silent Struggle
Farming is more than an occupation; it is a way of life. But it is also one of the most stressful professions in America. Studies show suicide rates among farmers are two to five times higher than the national average. At the same time, rural communities often lack adequate mental health services, leaving producers to carry their burdens alone.
National surveys reveal that three out of four rural adults believe reducing stigma around mental health is critical. Yet cultural barriers, especially the perception that asking for help is a weakness, continue to silence conversations. For too long, resilience has been defined only as pushing through. True resilience also means recognizing when support is needed.
Building Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Farm groups, nonprofits and mental health advocates are working to break that silence. Campaigns like Farm State of Mind from the American Farm Bureau Federation, Rural Minds and Stigma-Free Mental Health are providing resources tailored to the agricultural community. These efforts emphasize that seeking help is not a failure but an act of strength.
“Your wellness is a key to your farm’s wellness; stress management is a business strategy,” said Sarah Gideon, executive director of Health Innovations Network of Kansas Inc. “More than ever before, we have to look out for one another, to have those hard conversations when we notice changes in our friends and community members.”
Gideon added that resources are available locally, regionally and across the state, and no one should feel they have to manage alone.
Social media has become a valuable tool in spreading the message. Simple posts reminding neighbors that help is just a call away through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or pointing to resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, make a difference in connecting farmers to support.
Where to Find Help
For farmers and rural residents, support is closer than it may seem. The following organizations and programs offer confidential assistance, education and crisis intervention:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 free and confidential support: 988lifeline.org
• Rural Minds - dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma in rural communities: ruralminds.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - nationwide network for mental health education and advocacy: nami.org
• Farm State of Mind - American Farm Bureau Federation: fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind
• AgriSafe Network - health and safety resources for farm families: agrisafe.org
• Farm Aid - support services and emergency assistance: farmaid.org
• Farm Family Wellness Alliance: farmfamilywellness.com
• Rural Health Information Hub: ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer-mental-health
• American Soybean Association #SoyHelp: soygrowers.com/soyhelp-national-resources-info
• Ag-Aware behavioral health providers: https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas
• Local providers within our service region in northeast Kansas: https://www.healthinnovationsnetworkofkansas.org/hink-spin
Every conversation helps. Whether it is checking in on a neighbor, sharing resources online or reminding a friend they are not alone, small actions can save lives. Reducing stigma and building awareness is a community effort and one that rural America cannot afford to ignore.
Farming will always come with challenges, but no one should have to carry the weight of those challenges alone. As Gideon put it, “If you don’t ask the hard questions, who will?”
If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 to connect with immediate help.