Expert: How to Help a Farmer Struggling With Stress

UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.

ROCHESTER, Minn. (RFD-TV) — While harvest might be behind us, several stressors still weigh on farmers today, from finances to trade tensions. Emily Krekelberg with the University of Minnesota Extension joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about some of the significant signs of mental health distress and health resources rural Americans should keep in mind.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Krekelberg addressed the primary stressors that farmers face today and shared insights from the agricultural community regarding mental health. She also highlighted the signs of distress that farmers and producers should be vigilant about in themselves and others, as well as the best ways to approach someone who may be struggling but is having difficulty discussing their problems. Finally, she provided information on several available resources and training programs for rural communities.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks, according to energy analysts at GasBuddy.
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.