A farm organization and local police have announced a new partnership
A farm group and local police force are working together to raise awareness about mental health in farming and rural communities.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) and the Badger State Sheriff’s Association (BSSA) are expanding the Farm Neighbors Care Campaign, which supports farm families in times of need.
The campaign promotes checking in with members of the agricultural community by bringing them something to make them smile, and having face-to-face conversations with that person.
Participants are then asked to post a photo to social media using the hashtag #FarmNeighborsCare, and ask others to do the same.
This partnership will provide sheriffs across the state with resources to support farmers and others facing mental health struggles.
“Farmers are the backbone of Wisconsin, but they face unique challenges that can take a toll on their mental health,” WFBF President Brad Olson said in a statement. “This partnership is critical in extending our Farm Neighbors Care message to rural areas. By joining forces, we are committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing support to those working tirelessly to feed our communities.”
The BSSA consists of Wisconsin’s 72 sheriffs and works to provide resources and training to each sheriff’s office.
In 2020, almost 33 percent of Wisconsin’s population lived in rural areas, the U.S. Census Bureau says.
Furthering this partnership with the Farm Bureau supports the sheriffs as they respond to their community members.
“The Wisconsin Badger State Sheriffs’ Association is honored to team up with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Farm Neighbors Care campaign to assist as a conduit and ensure those in need of mental health services are identified and given the resources they need.” Executive Director of the Badger State’s Sheriffs’ Association John Gossage said in the statement. “Wisconsin sheriffs serve a large rural population and interact with many citizens on a daily basis.”
Anyone needing immediate mental health support can dial the national 9-8-8 hotline.
Farms.com has also collected mental health and suicide prevention resources geared towards the ag community.