By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension has launched a valuable program to support the mental health of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals across the state.
Through a partnership with Rising Hope Counseling, the Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher program provides up to five free counseling sessions to eligible participants and their immediate family members.
Andrea Bjornestad, SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist, explained that cost and access are the biggest barriers preventing farmers from seeking help. The voucher program aims to remove these barriers by offering free and accessible mental health care.
Rising Hope Counseling operates 27 physical locations across South Dakota and also provides telehealth services for those who prefer virtual sessions.
“People can choose the location or can choose to receive the counseling via telehealth,” Bjornestad said.
Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension’s interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director, noted that 2025 has been a stressful year for producers. Rising input costs, weather challenges, and fluctuating crop prices have created serious financial strain for many families.
“As we enter harvest, it is fun to drive around and see corn and soybeans in the field, and expectations are for bumper crops. Harvest stress comes in the form of making it through the harvest with only minor repairs needed, hauling the crop to bins or the elevator, and worries about equipment and field fires,” Gessner said. “Record-high crop production would be ideal for covering the increased input costs; however, given the current commodity prices, there is likely to be a small, if any, positive return on investment this year. And that financial concern is a monumental stressor.”
Bjornestad added that the suicide rate among agricultural workers is 3.5 times higher than in other professions, making mental health programs vital.
“The suicide rate for those who work in agriculture is 3.5 times higher than those who work in other occupations,” Bjornestad said. “We have farmers who are facing great financial difficulties, and that makes it very challenging to want to seek counseling when they may not be able to afford it.”
The program highlights that mental health is a key part of overall well-being, helping individuals prevent stress-related conditions such as poor sleep, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
For details or to apply, visit the Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program page or contact SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist Andrea Bjornestad.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: South Dakota, Rural Lifestyle