We know agriculture is a dangerous occupation full of potential stressors like weather, machinery breakdowns, and changing economic markets. This season in particular–with shorter days, attention on bookkeeping tasks amidst high input costs and interest rates and low crop prices–can be especially challenging and stressful for our community. We want to provide a reminder to everyone that you are not alone in these challenges.
Due in part to the stresses faced in farming and ranching–along with our tendency to work stoically and independently through our difficult times–agricultural workers have nearly three times greater rates of suicide compared to the general population. These losses of parents, spouses, children, and siblings can be avoided by reaching out to one another, having direct conversations about hard topics, and when needed reaching out to a confidential crisis line or some of the other free resources listed below.
The WSU Extension Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention program and our partners have many free resources for Washington farmers, all of which are listed and described in further detail on the program’s website. The program is housed on the Skagit County Extension website, but the program serves all farmers in Washington.
Free Farm Stress Counseling Voucher Program
Our free farm stress voucher program allows individuals in Washington’s agricultural community to access free counseling without health insurance. Our counselor is based in Pullman and offers in-person or telehealth options. The first six counseling sessions are free, and the program adopts a sliding-scale after the first six.
To access the Farm Stress Voucher Program, interested individuals should call the WSU Psychology Clinic at 509-335-3587 and tell the clinic that they are calling to participate in the Farm Stress Counseling Voucher Program. All information shared between the individual and the counselor is completely confidential. WSU Extension only receives the number of program participants per county and does not receive names or other information. You can learn more about what to expect when setting up your sessions at the voucher program page.
Free Financial Consulting
Our Agricultural Economist, Jon Paul Driver, provides free and confidential financial consulting for producers across the state of Washington. Jon Paul will meet one-on-one with producers to review their bookkeeping or answer any finance-related questions they have. Interested producers can reach Jon Paul at 509-671-2804 or at jonpaul_d@wsu.edu.
Other Resources
Crisis Hotlines
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support–the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. You can call or text 988 anytime to talk with someone confidentially.
There is also a farmer-specific helpline: 833-897-2474. This AgriStress helpline provides the same quality of crisis services as the 988 helpline, but has specialists that are trained in the culture, values, and lived experiences of agriculture workers. This AgriSafe network now serves Washington thanks to our partnership with the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program.
Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP)
Our partners at WRASAP have an extensive clearinghouse of resources that can be sorted by state and type of resource. Categories include financial and business planning, mediation, legal help, farm energy options, and more.
Farm Aid Hotline and Resource Network
Farm Aid has a farmer resource hotline. English and Spanish-Speaking operators can be reached from 6am-6pm PST each day; 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). Farm Aid also maintains a searchable online resource network.
You are not alone. We care.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (rachel.wieme@wsu.edu) if you have questions about any of these resources.
For questions or comments, contact Rachel via email at rachel.wieme@wsu.edu.