(ND Ag Connection) – When envisioning a farm or ranch in North Dakota, you picture bright yellow patches of canola or cattle grazing through tall grass. But that’s not always the reality for most agriculture producers.

Flooding, disease, and environmental factors can take over, causing detrimental impacts on farmers’ and ranchers’ mental health.

“The mental health components of our producers are always a concern when they run into these situations. There’s an emotional component that doesn’t always get addressed,” said Ethan Andress, the state veterinarian for the Department of Agriculture.

A study by the CDC shows rates of suicide have risen fastest, and are highest, in rural areas because of what they call, “Agriculture Producer Depression.”

Flooding lessens drought conditions but delays planting Farmers are dying by suicide at a higher rate than any other occupational group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

North Dakota ranks 14th for highest suicide rates in the nation, and ag producers are the majority of cases.