House Clears Bill Looking At Regulatory Burdens On Washington Ag
Recent legislation aims to get to the root of stress in our agricultural community, addressing everything from land use to mental health concerns.
farmer suicide
Reducing Regulatory Stress In Washington Agriculture
Farming isn’t just about tilling the soil; it's about mental well-being too. A new bill aims to tackle those heavy burdens farmers carry every day.
OPINION: Darkest Before The Dawn
If you or someone you know are experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide, call the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or you can call the AgriStress HelpLine at (833) 897-2474.
Thousands Of Washington Farms Have Closed Their Doors
According to the latest numbers from the Census of Agriculture, the state lost 3,700 farms between 2017 and 2022, an average of two farms per day.
“Farmers Deserve Better”; MGP Votes Against Appropriations Bill
Southwest Washington’s Marie Gluesenkamp Perez says last week’s legislation failed to meet the current needs of the ag industry, while cutting FSA staffing and more.
Suicide Rate Among Farmers Similar To Veterans, Rollins Says
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health has never been a more important topic for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said farmers are suffering through tough times.
“The suicide rate among our farmers is similar to that of our veterans, and it's stunningly and heartbreakingly high, and we have to realize that something has to be done," she noted. "
Oregon Opens Ag Stress Helpline
A crisis helpline dedicated to serving Oregon’s agricultural and forestry communities is now open.
New Organization Looks To Focus On Mental Health Issues In Rural America
A new nonprofit organization focuses on mental health in rural America. Just launched, Rural Minds provides rural Americans with expanded access to existing mental health service organizations and addresses the importance of overcoming the stigma around mental health challenges
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WSDA, WSU, DOH Team Up To Address Stress Farmer Suicide
Last month, the Washington State Department of Agriculture received a $500,000 grant to work in partnership with Washington State University and the state Department of Health to address stress as well as suicide prevention in the farming community
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WSU Expands Farmer Suicide Prevention Work
Farming is a high-stress occupation, and that’s without a global pandemic. And unfortunately, those stresses too often lead to thoughts of suicide for agriculture workers and their employers. A recently announced $7 million Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant from the USDA will expand the farmer suicide prevention work done by Washington State University Extension to 13 western states