Mental Health Resources for Farmers

Jan 28, 2020

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources in the U.S.A. and Canada

With all that goes on in the world today, it’s sometimes hard not to feel anxious or even depressed about the future, especially when there are so many elements out of our control in the practice of agriculture. Thousands of people in our industry are struggling daily to turn a profit, to feed their families and to keep the lights on. Not since the 1980s has the pressure on farmers been so intense, and the rise in farmer suicides has been alarming.

We can all feel a little down from time to time, but for some of us, this isn’t just a passing thought or fleeting feeling – it can be a full-time condition worthy of professional attention. As farmers, we are often isolated from resources usually found in cities, including in-person counselling, support groups, psychiatrists and in-patient treatment facilities, but that doesn’t mean we need to suffer in silence. The reality is, farming is incredibly stressful. And with that stress can come feelings of being overwhelmed, worry, frustration, agitation, depression and anxiety.

Sometimes pride can get in the way of even acknowledging we have a problem. Times are changing. There is absolutely no shame in feeling the way you do – it’s not like you asked for it. As a bigger community, farmers are in this together – we have each other, and we can offer support and understanding to those sharing in the experience of modern agriculture. There are also a ton of resources available online and over the phone to help get us back on our feet and working towards a healthier way of being.

At Farms.com we understand where you’re coming from – we are farmers too, after all. We wanted to find a way to help our community, and as a web publisher, we decided to create a large mental health and suicide prevention resource that details available help in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. We have included farmer-specific resources, support groups, suicide hotline numbers and more. Always remember, you’re not alone and help can be as close as a phone call away.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.