Farmers can help farmers reduce risk of suicide
Farming is listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. Add to this the financial uncertainty of the work and the long hours, and it’s easy to see why farming is so stressful.
As any farmer would attest, it’s not only a job but a lifestyle. If the farm fails, the family can lose their family legacy, home and way of life. But farmers live in rural areas often underrepresented by mental healthcare workers. It can take an hour’s drive each way simply to obtain mental healthcare.
Farmers also tend to hold plenty of stigma about mental health and would prefer to “tough it out” – to their detriment. The rate of death by suicide is increasing among farmers and is on track to exceed that of combat veterans.
A panel spoke about farming and mental health at the recent 2026 Summer Crop Summit hosted by the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association at Rodman Lott & Son Farms. The panel included Katie Basu, licensed clinical social worker and senior director at Farmers Supporting Farmers, Michelle Beiling, director of business development, Claire Byrne, agricultural support mentor, and Isaac Dahl, agricultural support mentor.
Talking about feelings is probably the last thing farmers want to do. But for improving mental health and potentially preventing death by suicide, it’s essential.
“You don’t have to be an expert,” Basu said. “You know your neighbors, your employees, your family members and friends. That means you’re in the best position to observe change. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to say or do the ‘right’ thing, but showing up does not require us to be perfect.”
She noted that farmers are excellent observers of what helps the farm profit – health of stock and crops and the operation of equipment – and they can apply those same skills to observing the mental health of those around them.
Byrne said farmers can recognize when someone is struggling by “noticing when people aren’t ‘showing up’” like they normally do. “It’s not always what people say, but what they’re not saying. Friends and family and neighbors are the first to see through and notice. Don’t be afraid to say the wrong thing.”
For example, someone may pull away by acting differently, losing interest in activities and changing in conversation level. They may not stop to chat, skip meetings or get-togethers or stop replying to texts or emails. Activities may mean work activities or previously enjoyed leisure activities. Others may notice they’re quieter and more withdrawn socially. Excuses like “I’m just tired” or “It doesn’t matter anymore” or “I just can’t catch a break” may indicate that the person is struggling.
Starting the conversation can begin with a simple statement such as “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.” It’s not an accusation or diagnosis, but this can help people open up.
Next, ask, “How are things going?” and then listen.
“Give them space to share,” Byrne said. “Stay connected. The goal isn’t to have the perfect words. The goal is to simply start.”
Responding with support isn’t a snap judgement or Pollyanna quote. Dahl said statements like “You’ll be fine,” “Everything happens for a reason,” “At least…” or jumping to solutions are less helpful than “That sounds really hard,” “Tell me more,” “I’m glad you told me,” “I’m here” – and asking one more question.
Beiling said working through emotional issues is “not just one conversation.” Building a strong community is based upon trust.
“It starts with checking in consistently, listening without judgement, keeping our word, respecting someone’s privacy, following up and continuing to show up,” she said. “Every time you listen without judgement, you build that relationship. If you are already having ordinary conversations, it helps build the relationship.”
Although many people will want to talk about their stress, “most people won’t talk about their feelings,” Basu said. Where the stress is, that’s where their feelings start.
Dahl said simple ways to check in could include asking:
“What’s been the best part of your week?”
“What’s something you’re looking forward to?”
“What’s been weighing on you lately?”
“How are things going outside of work?”
“How can I support you this week?”
He added that it’s important to “ask questions that invite more than a yes-or-no answer.”
“Be curious, not rushed. Make room for challenges and successes. Listen to understand, not to respond,” he said. “Men don’t really talk about their feelings.”
Sometimes, people need to vent to someone who will listen. But sometimes, conversation isn’t enough. Beiling said it may help them find the next step.
“If you’re worried about their safety, or they talk about feeling hopeless or like a burden or just wanting to give up, they need more support than you’re able to provide,” she said.
Basu offered that even though she’s a professional, “I can feel nervous when people say they’re not sure if they want to be here anymore.”
Referring people to professionals can start with their primary care provider. These can refer farmers to mental healthcare services available in the area. Some allow payments on a sliding scale for people who are underinsured. Telehealth is also available for people who would find in-person visits difficult. Most insurers cover these.
Farmer-based help such as NY FarmNet, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health and Farmers Supporting Farmers can also assist.
For acute help, there’s also the 988 suicide and crisis line which accepts calls and texts or 911.
“People get nervous about calling,” Basu said. “What will they do to me? There are different levels of risk” – but the goal is not to “take people from their homes or take away weapons.”
Talking about suicide has been proven to not increase risk for death by suicide. Approaching the conversation with caring and compassion, along with a willingness to listen and support in seeking professional help, can go a long way towards reducing death by suicide.
