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.

Related Stories
Ashley Stockwell discusses representing dairy farmers during one of motorsports’ most recognizable traditions.
Artists from around the world are finding inspiration in the quiet pace of Nebraska’s prairie landscape.
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller and Rep. Henry Cuellar say rising costs and generational shifts are making it harder to keep young producers in the industry.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor joins us to discuss the uncertain path for year-round E15 sales and the next steps as the issue heads toward a standalone House vote after it was stripped from the Farm Bill.
The new county maps show farm program payments are widespread, but payment design still produces very different outcomes across regions and crops. AgriSompo’s Brooks York joins us to discuss the role of crop insurance in supporting mental health.
Nebraska cattle rancher Joe Van Newkirk joins us to discuss wildfire recovery in Nebraska’s Sandhills athe challenges ranchers face restoring basic infrastructure after the fire.
Seasonal pricing strength is lining up with crop stress, giving wheat producers another weather-driven marketing window. Shaun Haney joins us to discuss concerns from ag bankers on farm profitability.
Dr. Ernie Goss joined us to break down the latest Rural Main Street Index, discuss pressures on farm finances and equipment sales, and share expectations for the ag economy ahead.
In an exclusive interview with RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) expresses frustration with delays and increasing political divisions surrounding the bill.