The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), along with many agricultural organizations, says it appreciates recently introduced legislation to boost farmers’ mental health. The Farmers First Act is designed to expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect those in times of crisis with trained medical professionals to receive the personalized care that they need.
On July 15, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and Angie Craig, D-Minn., introduced the legislation, which would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), increase funding to a total of $15 million annually over the next five years and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals and rural health centers.
“Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, and our farmers and producers work long hours and make unseen sacrifices to feed and fuel our country and the world. Those sacrifices can take a toll on our farm producers, especially when commodity prices tumble or severe weather destroys crops,” Feenstra said in a news release.
According to researchers at the University of Georgia, farmers have suicide rates much higher than the general population, with elevated mental health symptoms and high stress levels, NPPC points out in Capital Update. In addition, farmers are hard to reach because of their occupational demands and a culture in rural communities where conversations about mental health often have a stigma.
NPPC says it supports efforts to address the mental health crisis among farmers.
“As farmers and ranchers, we face unique stressors that are often beyond our control. By prioritizing these resources, we can strengthen the resilience of rural communities and ensure long-term support for both producers today and future generations,” Duane Stateler, NPPC president, said in a release.
Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, also introduced companion legislation.
“Since it was funded in the 2018 Farm Bill, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) has been an essential lifeline for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, who face increased levels of stress and often lack access to mental health support services,” Hannah Tremblay, Farm Aid’s policy and advocacy manager, said in a release. “Farm Aid enthusiastically supports the Farmers First Act of 2025 which continues the crucial work of the FRSAN to support and strengthen the agricultural workers we all depend upon. Importantly, the increased funding will allow for deeper support networks and increased outreach to underserved farmers and agricultural workers. As farmers struggle with an uncertain farm economy, FRSAN is now more critical than ever.”
