Farm Safety Week: Addressing Farm Stress and Mental Health

Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.

DENVER, Colo. (RFD-TV) — A new survey from the National Corn Growers Association (NGCA) shows 65 percent of farmers are more concerned about their finances than they were a year ago. From rising input costs to weaker commodity prices, the pressures of this harvest season are mounting—and experts warn that the stress can take a toll on mental health.

Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Rezniek addressed the ongoing mental health crisis in farm country, where suicide rates remain higher than in urban areas. He outlined the mission of the Colorado AgrAbility Project, which supports farmers and ranchers facing both physical and mental health challenges, and explained how their team works to remove barriers to care.

Rezniek also shared details about the COMET method, an outreach approach designed to help rural neighbors recognize signs of distress and guide those in need toward help. He closed with a message of encouragement for farmers and ranchers who may be struggling or supporting someone who is.

———

If you or a loved one is suffering from mental health issues related to farm stress, you are not alone.

To learn more about the Colorado AgraAbility Project and access mental health resources, visit their website or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by call or text at #988 for immediate assistance.

Related Stories
Chad Collin, founder of The Quack Pack USA, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his expertise in training Border Collies to serve as indispensable farm and ranch dogs.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.
Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.