Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) celebrated the unanimous Senate passage of their resolution designating May 29th as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day”. This bipartisan effort shines a spotlight on the mental health crisis facing rural America and affirms the Senate’s commitment to supporting farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. According to the National Rural Health Association, the suicide rate among farmers is 3.5 times higher than that of the general population, a stark reminder of the unique pressures in agriculture.
“From severe drought to increased costs, unprecedented challenges are taking a toll on the mental health of Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. I’m grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to raise awareness about our country’s mental health crisis and work together to expand access to care for communities across the country,” said Bennet.
“Daily uncertainties and extreme stress lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression among Nebraska’s agricultural producers and workforce. Our resolution recognizes these unique challenges and supports the farmers, ranchers, and workers who perform the essential work of producing high-quality food, fuel, and fiber,” said Fischer.
Bennet has consistently advocated in Congress to increase awareness and support for mental health in agricultural communities. In March of this year, Bennet reintroduced the Agricultural Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Care Act to require the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers that farming and ranching communities face to access mental and behavioral health care. In June 2024, Bennet and Fischer celebrated the Senate passage of their resolution designating May 29th as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.” In May 2023, Bennet introduced the bipartisan Farmers First Act to connect farmers with mental health resources and increase funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
This resolution is supported by the Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Farm Credit Services of America, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Pork Producers Council, and National Rural Health Association.
In addition to Fischer and Bennet, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) cosponsored the resolution.
The text of the resolution is available HERE.