Several bills aimed at helping Minnesota farmers deal with mental health issues are moving forward at the State Capitol.

Republican Senator Carla Nelson of Rochester is author of a bill that would expand statewide mental health counseling for farmers.
Keith Olander is the Director AgCentric and says unlike other lines of work, struggling farmers often are not able to easily switch careers…

There is currently only one mental health professional in Minnesota dedicated to helping farmers–and he is close to retiring. Officials say 2018 was the 6th year in a row with low profitability for farmers in Minnesota–one of many contributing factors to increased stress for people in Greater Minnesota.