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Hotlines available for struggling farmers and ranchers.

Mary Jane Buerkle, Director of Communications and Public Affairs

November 27, 2019

2 Min Read
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Shelley E. Huguley

The holidays are upon us, and while they can be stressful for some, for others they can be downright debilitating, intensifying depression and anxiety. Couple that with today's farm economy crisis, and the feelings of stress and isolation can increase dramatically, leading to depression, substance abuse and suicide.

Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Plains Cotton Growers, and experts at Texas Tech have teamed up to provide information about how to get help and have hope. PCCA has created a page on their website called "Farm Stress -- Help and Hope" with resources and facts about the mental health crisis. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, 91% believe that financial stress or fear of losing the family farm impacts mental health.

See, Suicide Risks on the Farm Part 1

According to the webpage, major stressors for farm families include but are not limited to the following:

  • Farming has been in a recession since 2013 while the rest of the economy has been growing. Net farm income has declined 50 percent over that time

  • The ups and downs of the trade war have added to uncertainty about the future

  • Farm bankruptcies are on the rise

These feelings of stress and isolation can lead to depression, substance abuse and suicide.

"Every day, farmers and their families deal with factors that are beyond their control, which impact their finances, relationships, and many other aspects of their operation," PCG CEO Steve Verett said. "We urge anyone struggling with stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts to seek help, and encourage everyone to check on their family members, friends and neighbors to offer support and help during these trying times."

See, Suicide Risks on the Farm Part 2

Resources include:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. The call is free and confidential, and they will connect the caller to a counselor in their area.

  • Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7.

  • Farm Aid Farmer Hotline, 1-800-327-6243. Staff will answer calls Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.

More information can be found at https://pcca.com/farm-stress-help-and-hope/.

Source: is Plains Cotton Growers, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

About the Author(s)

Mary Jane Buerkle

Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Plains Cotton Growers

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