The AgriSafe Network has launched the AgriStress Response Network. AgriSafe Executive Director Natalie Roy says the idea for the response network came from a Southern Regional Network of over half a dozen states.

She says they want to provide a wide range of mental health services to farmers and ranchers and eventually put a National Hotline in place that can be accessed.

Roy says they have several services they’re utilizing with the Stress Response network including social media.

Roy says they’re hoping to eliminate the stigma of seeking support for mental health including depression, anxiety and farmer suicide. She says research shows 20 percent of any population has mental health complications including farmers and ranchers.