Legislation to create a Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network has been included in the House and Senate farm bill language. The network would provide support for farmers and ranchers under mental stress or at risk for suicide. National Farmers Union’s Government Relations Representative Matt Perdue says these individuals have the highest risk of suicide of any group and that’s part of the reason his group backs the provision.

He says since it’s paid for with discretionary funding they must go through the appropriation process every year. However, Perdue says the need for mental health services is great in Rural America.

Perdue says the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network would assist non-profits, state departments of agriculture and the cooperative extension service in providing mental health support for producers.

Perdue says the network includes a hotline, support groups, community education and training to deal with mental stress issues.