(NewsDakota.com/USDA) – For the nation’s farming communities, stress-related mental health stands as a significant and growing concern. The demands of farming and ranching are often increased by economic challenges, severe weather and other factors beyond the control of producers.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to recognize projects funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Program and how they are addressing important needs within farm communities.

NIFA National Program leader Edwin Lewis, Ph.D., says that FRSAN supported projects work to establish a network that connects individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations to stress assistance programs.

“These assistance networks help farmers and ranchers increase their behavioral health awareness, connects them to critical resources and help effect positive outcomes for them, their workers and their families,” Lewis said.

A FRSAN-supported survey project at the University of Nevada, Reno showed that both stress and depression levels were higher among farmers and ranchers than people working in non-farm jobs. Participants rated their interest in learning more about 18 coping strategies as well their preferred ways to learn more. The goal is to use this information to fine-tune outreach efforts to the state’s agricultural producers on how to manage stress.