A crisis is brewing in farm country

Adam Ulbricht
Times Writers Group
Adam Ulbricht today.

The word crisis carries with it some serious connotations. You may or may not be aware but a crisis is brewing as we speak in farm country. Depressed commodity markets are challenging farmers across our great state and region.

With these down markets comes greater levels of stress placed upon veteran and young farmers, alike. It is times like this where a close eye should be kept on the mental health of those working hard to grow and raise our food.

Unfortunately, alarming statistics exist that paint a picture of just how susceptible farmers are to stresses caused by their profession. Research has shown that farmers are nearly five times more likely to take their own life when compared to the general public. The suicide rate among farmers is twice as high as that of military veterans.

One of the toughest parts of discussing issues of mental health are the stigmas that are attached to it. Too often people equate mental health with mental illness. These concepts are not the same. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines mental health as “the general condition of one's mental and emotional state.”

Each and every one of us are affected by events and experiences that lead to changes in our mental status. To make matters worse, seeking help can often be seen as a sign of weakness. The truth is quite the opposite.

Perhaps no agricultural industry is currently suffering more than dairy, which hits far too close to home. Stearns County leads Minnesota in milk production. One University of Minnesota Extension economist reports that many dairies are losing around $2 on every hundred pounds of milk produced.

Imagine losing hundreds, if not more than a thousand dollars just doing your job every day. Do you think that will increase stress levels a bit? Now consider agriculture does not just compete locally. These are global commodities that are impacted by the decisions of countries and consumers all over the world.

Recent actions by President Trump have not given area farmers any reprieve. The president announced several rounds of tariffs on China. In return, China has announced tariffs of their own with American agricultural products caught in the crosshairs.

Minnesota is the fourth largest exporting state of agricultural goods. Soybeans and pork, which are both listed among Chinese tariffs, account for over 40 percent of exports, alone. A loss of competitiveness in Chinese markets would be yet another significant blow to local farmers.

Nearly one-third of farms lost net revenue last year in the state of Minnesota. This is the fifth consecutive year in which this has occurred. Our region falls into the West Central category. Farm income for the West Central area in 2016 was over $29,000. That total dropped to $22,500 last year.

The good news is that resources do exist for those seeking help. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture launched its Farm & Rural Helpline last fall. The helpline is free and confidential. By simply dialing (833) 600-2670, a caller will be connected with a professional.

Beyond that, legislation is being drafted at both the state and federal level. In St. Paul, three bills are making their way through the House of Representatives. One in particular would allocate an additional $140,000 to support increased mental health counseling for farmers.

In Washington, D.C., Congressman Emmer has introduced the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act. This legislation would bring back a farm and ranch assistance network that focuses on stress and mental health. Several bipartisan farm groups have announced their support for the legislation.

Agriculture means more than just putting food on our tables. It provides great paying jobs to help keep our local communities thriving. It contributes to school levies to provide greater resources for academic achievement. Yes, this industry is critically important to both our area and way of life.

If you or someone you know does need help, please seek it. 

Thank you to all the farmers and ranchers for your hard work and contributions.

This is the opinion of Adam Ulbricht, whose column is published the second Tuesday of the month.