AgriSafe’s New Provider Directory Helps Rural Families Navigate Mental Health Issues During the Holidays

Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The holiday season can be a joyful time, but for many in rural America, it can also bring heightened stress and mental health challenges. To help farmers, ranchers, and their families access support, AgriSafe Network has launched a new resource designed specifically for rural communities.

Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network’s Behavioral Health Coordinator, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss the new AgriStress Provider Directory and the mental health resources available to producers.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Bury explained that farmers and ranchers often face unique stressors — from unpredictable markets and weather events to long hours and isolation — which can significantly impact mental health. The new provider directory aims to make it easier for rural residents to find professionals who understand these challenges and offer tailored support.

The directory lists trained mental health providers who have completed specialized programs to understand agricultural values, stressors, and lifestyle considerations. According to Bury, this training equips providers to connect with rural clients in a meaningful and culturally sensitive way.

For those in need of help, the directory is available online, making it easy for producers and family members to locate qualified mental health professionals in their area. AgriSafe also offers additional resources and guidance for agricultural communities seeking support throughout the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: https://www.agrisafe.org/resource/the-agristress-provider-directory-press-release-2025/

Related Stories
Young anglers learn skills on the water while building a deeper connection to the outdoors.
Just like cows, kids experience ups and downs—from small frustrations to unexpected moments—but there is still good in every day.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss rural mental health awareness, the importance of reducing stigma in agriculture, and resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural families seeking support.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.
The trip is giving them a firsthand look at farming beyond the U.S.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.