The National Farm Medicine Center has spent decades researching injuries and deaths on farms. Their work now includes a focus on the health and safety of farm kids.
According to Melissa Ploeckelman, “Right now, the research that we’ve done is just looking at medical records of youth. So, we’re talking about ages nine to seventeen who have come into a medical facility for purposes of suicide. So, we’ve looked at the numbers, we’ve looked at the reports, and what we know is what I just stated, that farm children are less likely to have suicidality or suicidal thoughts. We don’t know exactly why yet; that’ll be the next stage of research.”
While the real cause of that trend is still being researched, it is good news for parents and kids on the farm.
“Some things that we think about is it because they have more green space? Is it because they have a specific task or job to do that they feel they have more of a purpose or value on the farm? Is it because of the way farm families usually raise their children and the way that they parent in a way that they’re usually, you know, sitting around the supper table, still having breakfast together? So, we don’t know 100% why, but we do know that the numbers are proving that farm children are half as likely to have suicidality as non-farm, rural children,” she adds.
The National Farm Medicine Center was founded in 1981 by a nurse who noticed unique health issues among farm patients.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
·
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
February 24, 2026 01:30 PM
·
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
·
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
·
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
·
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
February 24, 2026 09:00 AM
·
