U. S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall have announced a $500,000 U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmand Ranch Stress Assistance Network Grant to the Kansas Department of Agriculture to help connect farmers, ranchers and those in agriculture-related occupations to mental health resources.
Moran says as farmers, ranchers and those working within the Agriculture Industry livelihoods depend on factors largely outside their control, from the weather to volatile commodity prices; it can create stress that can be challenging to face alone.
Marshall adds that providing assistance to help reduce suicide rates among Kansas farmers and ranchers is some of the best money USDA has ever spent. The AG Department plans to use the Grant to create a Statewide campaign to raise awareness for the KANSASAGSTRESS.ORG website, develop reusable media content and work to destigmatize the concept of mental health awareness while lowering suicides in the agriculture industry in Kansas.
