The Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (SW Ag Center) and the Texas Department of Agriculture created a campaign advocating better mental health practices for farmers and ranchers.

“Farm life is hard enough. Then things like the economy, a pandemic, natural or manmade disasters and extreme weather hit and throw a wrench in our plans,” Shelbie Lambert, outreach education coordinator for the SW Ag Center, said.

During the 1980s, more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers took their own lives as Americans faced a major financial crisis and the worst farm recession the U.S. had ever seen. Financial stress remains at the root of suicide among farmers and ranchers, but there are often other factors at play.

The campaign, “Seasons Change | You Remain,” aims to help farmers and ranchers share more about mental health awareness.

“Farming is not for the faint of heart,” Lambert said. “It’s demanding workload does not often leave room for the ’’soft stuff’ like talking about feelings.”

For many, the topic can be tough to discuss. Acknowledging feelings of anxiousness and hopelessness or thoughts of suicide carries a lot of stigma.

The past few years have put an unprecedented level of pressure on America’s farmers and ranchers.

Experts say farmers and ranchers can help one another by starting a conversation. The conversation can be started in any number of ways. This includes acknowledging what they’re going through and asking how they’re doing.

Signs of stress or depression may include:

  • Changes in routines or social activities
  • Increases in illness or chronic conditions
  • Lack of interest in activities or events
  • A decline in the care of pets and livestock
  • A decline in appearance of the farm
  • Increases in farm accidents

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

If someone seems to be an immediate danger to themselves or others, contact local law enforcement right away.

Remember, seasons change, but farmers and ranchers remain.

The SW Ag Center is looking for farmers and ranchers to share their story about any of the following:

  • A time they experienced mental illness
  • Losing a friend or loved one to suicide
  • Dealing with daily stress or during a crisis

To share these experiences, contact shelbie.powell2@uthct.edu or call 903-521-2412. The SW Ag Center will share these stories anonymously if requested.

Stories will be shared on media platforms across Texas to remind farmers and ranchers talking about tough things today can prevent someone from reaping tragedy tomorrow.