Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., addressed the Senate Agriculture Committee this week to discuss the mental health challenges faced by American farmers. Highlighting the significant pressure on food producers in today's market, he emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and community support for those in agriculture.

Senator Marshall remarked, “I want to talk about farmer mental health for a second, and farmer suicide. This is something near and dear to my heart for many reasons. Over the past several years, we try to go out in the communities, doing round tables, trying to connect the dots. The resources are out there to help. And I want to back up and just say to all my farmers and ranchers, the pressure is very real. The pressure is very real."

He acknowledged efforts by organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation in raising awareness and providing education programs. He noted progress but recognized ongoing challenges: "I’m trying to work with lenders out there... I think we’re making progress, but it’s still tough times in ag land."

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, shared alarming statistics from a survey conducted in Georgia and Florida: “…The alarming fact that we heard is that young farmers…I think that in less than 10 years, that 50% of them had considered suicide.”

Duvall also shared personal experiences about overcoming stigma around discussing feelings: "It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay not to talk about it." He stressed the need for open communication among farmers and their families.

Senator Marshall concluded by encouraging vigilance within communities: “I just encourage everybody to be a good neighbor... And there’s some of those very subtle hints out there that we’re all aware of.”