Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign

You are not alone, help is available, and YOU MATTER.

Farm suicide rates in the United States are estimated to be as much as 3.5 times higher than for the general population. As agriculture faces a period of significant stress and uncertainty, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the partners listed here are increasingly concerned about the well-being of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in our state.

Together, we are:

Running 30-second radio spots about how and where to easily contact immediate, non-judgmental help if thoughts of suicide arise.
Using social media to share out information about how to get help or how to help someone else who needs help.
Offering suicide prevention training in agricultural communities throughout Minnesota.

Free Workshops to Support Farmers in Times of Stress

The MDA and partners in the Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign are offering free, two-hour workshops for people who live and work in agricultural communities. You don’t need to be a mental health professional to participate. These workshops provide practical tools to recognize when someone may be struggling, start a caring conversation, and connect them with support.

QPR for Agriculture:

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Agriculture teaches three steps anyone can take to recognize warning signs, have a supportive conversation, and connect someone at risk with appropriate care and resources.

Sept. 15, 10 a.m.–noon, New Ulm
Sept. 16, 10 a.m.–noon, Mora
Sept. 17, 10 a.m.–noon, Waite Park
Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Worthington
Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Rochester
Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-noon, Albert Lea
Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–noon, Fergus Falls
Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–noon, Cloquet
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.–noon, Willmar
Oct. 13, 10 a.m.–noon, Buffalo
Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–noon, Ada
Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Marshall
Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Thief River Falls

COMET:

Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) teaches participants how to start a caring conversation with someone who seems sad, withdrawn, or not quite themselves. Participants use a seven-question guide to help someone move away from a potential crisis and toward wellness.

Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–noon, Grand Rapids
Oct. 20, 10 a.m.–noon, Willmar
Oct. 29, 10 a.m.–noon, Austin
Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–noon, Crookston

Thank you to the following organizations for their support:

You are not alone, help is available, and YOU MATTER.

Free Workshops to Support Farmers in Times of Stress

QPR for Agriculture:

COMET:

Meg Moynihan