Extension programs strengthen mental health support for farm families
Farm families across the country are experiencing growing stress as economic challenges affect daily life and future planning. Experts say this pressure has created a “mental health crisis among farmers.” To provide support, extension programs are offering new training that helps farmers and the people who work with them understand stress and learn how to respond in healthy ways.
The Cooperative Extension Service now provides farm stress management programs led by local agents. These programs teach farm families how to recognize signs of stress and build coping skills. Extension also offers an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid course. This training explains how to assist someone facing a mental health or substance use crisis and includes QPR suicide prevention education. QPR stands for question, persuade, and refer, which are simple steps anyone can use to help save a life.
However, many farmers hesitate to attend in-person sessions. Specialists say stress has become so normal in agriculture that people may not believe training can help. Because of this, extension programs now focus on training community members who regularly interact with farmers, such as lenders, co-op staff, extension agents, and local government workers. These individuals often have long-term relationships with producers and can notice important changes in behavior.
“We want to reach anybody who interacts with and has long-term relationships with people in this industry, providing wrap-around support,” said Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Extension agents who took the training reported that it helped them understand the seriousness of farm stress and prepared them to respond during farm visits. These tools can strengthen relationships and improve safety for families.
Chronic stress affects both physical and emotional health. It can harm the heart, worsen illnesses, and create tension within families. In severe cases, it may lead to domestic violence or other crises. Specialists remind communities that simple actions—listening, paying attention, offering a meal, or asking how to help—can make a meaningful difference.
Supporting farmers requires steady, caring involvement, and communities play an essential role in helping families feel less alone.
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