TLDR*: Farming is a rewarding but extremely high-stress job. From unpredictable weather to market changes, the weight of the business can be overwhelming. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want you to know that help is out there. You’re not alone. Below are trusted resources made specifically for farmers and ranchers.
You Deserve Support
Farming and ranching can feel isolating. You’re expected to do everything: run the business, manage the land, feed the animals, sell the products, and make ends meet. When everything depends on you, it can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s a strength.
We want to make it easier for you to know where to turn. We’ve pulled together this list of confidential, trusted mental health resources specifically created for farmers and rural communities. Many of them came directly from organizations in the field who work with farmers every day.
| Resource Name | What It Offers | Contact Info / Link |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Aid Hotline | Talk with staff about tailored resources for farmers. |
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| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 24/7 support for people in distress. |
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| SAMHSA | Substance abuse & mental health services; national helpline. |  1-800-662-HELP (4357) samhsa.gov |
| Ag Solidarity Network | Virtual farmer-led support group and community-building platform. | agsolidaritynetwork.com |
| Marbleseed | Free, farmer-led peer-to-peer learning and mental health wellness resources. | marbleseed.org/resources |
| Iowa Corn | Education and mental health resources for farmers in Iowa. | iowacorn.org |
| Rural Health Info Hub | Rural mental health programs, articles, and contacts. | ruralhealthinfo.org |
| Farm Rescue | On-farm support during family health or financial crisis. | farmrescue.org |
| AgrAbility | Resources for farmers with physical limitations or chronic illness. | (608) 262-9336 agrability.org |
Special Thank You
We’re grateful to our friends at Marbleseed, Iowa Corn, and the Rural Health Information Hub for curating and sharing some of the resources listed below.
Marbleseed educates, inspires, and empowers farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture. They’re known for hosting the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference and providing excellent mental health and wellness resources.
Iowa Corn encourages farmers to check in with their peers and provides mental health support through their Farmer Mental Health Resources portal.
The Rural Health Information Hub maintains a hub for mental health programs and information tailored to rural areas.
Get Support
The job doesn’t stop. We know. That’s why finding even small moments of support, whether it’s a phone call, a blog post, or a peer group can go a long way. A short conversation can help break the cycle of stress before it turns into burnout.
*TLDR means too long didn’t read; it’s the summary of this article. We know you’re busy, so we want to let you know what’s going on in 30 seconds or less.