Census data shows the life expectancy rate for rural Americans has dropped over time and is now less than that in urban areas. It is something the National Rural Health Association has been studying and says there is one major reason for the switch.
“Lack of access to healthcare, first and foremost, and if you can’t get to your doctor for preventive care or a checkup, you wait until things get really bad, and then you go into the emergency room. Environmental issues. You know, for our ranchers and farmers, that’s a tough, difficult profession to be in by itself. Then you get into lifestyle choices, a lot of processed fast food, which is easy to get and cost less, well that impacts your health. And then on top of that, you just have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cancer across the board,” said Alan Morgan.
The 2022 Census of Ag showed around 60 percent of farmers received healthcare in the past year.
Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.
April 13, 2026 02:21 PM
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In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
April 13, 2026 02:04 PM
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While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
April 13, 2026 01:49 PM
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Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
April 13, 2026 12:49 PM
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JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
April 13, 2026 12:12 PM
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Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
April 13, 2026 11:57 AM
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