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
Experts estimate the flooding from Hurricane Helene caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is helping connect veterans with resources to pursue careers in farming and agriculture.
USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.