HASTINGS, NE — Cooperative Producers, Inc. (CPI) proudly joins the Nebraska Cooperative Council and the broader agricultural community in supporting Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day on May 29, 2025, following a bipartisan resolution unanimously passed by the United States Senate.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), acknowledges the significant mental health challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Studies cited in the resolution show that suicide rates among farmers are 3.5 times higher than the general population, while farmworkers experience rates 1.4 times higher.
“Farming is more than a profession—it’s a way of life,” said Rocky Weber, President of the Nebraska Cooperative Council. “Unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets, long hours, and isolation can take a significant toll on the mental well-being of those who feed and fuel our world.”
As a farmer- and rancher-owned cooperative, CPI recognizes the unique pressures of the agriculture industry and supports efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health. CPI is committed to fostering awareness, promoting access to mental health resources, and encouraging open conversations throughout Nebraska’s rural communities.
The resolution encourages the agriculture industry to use May 29 as a day of advocacy and education, shining a light on mental health in the ag sector and directing individuals to supportive services and resources.
“We commend Senator Fischer for her leadership on this important issue,” said CPI’s CEO, Gary Brandt. “Mental health is just as critical as physical safety in agriculture, and we want our members, employees, and communities to know that help is available and they are not alone.”
Resources Available
Click here for a list of resources for those in need of support that you can share.
