Farmer Wellness Program Handout
If you are feeling suicidal, call 9-8-8 immediately. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please call the 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558.
Farming brings unique challenges, be it weather, markets, or labor shortages. While stress is a part of life, prolonged and increasing amounts can negatively impact overall wellness, even leading to depression or anxiety.
When stress is high and you need someone to turn to, the Farmer Wellness Program can assist. It is designed to provide farmers and their families access to services that can help them navigate life's challenges.
Counseling Services
24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline: (888) 901-2558
Free, confidential, and immediate support any day, any time. Helpline representatives can also make referrals to Farmer Wellness Tele-Counseling Sessions or the Counseling Voucher Program for on-going, long-term support.
If you are feeling suicidal, contact the helpline or 9-8-8 immediately.
Tele-Counseling
Farmers and their family members can receive free, confidential, and unlimited sessions from a licensed mental health professional online or by phone. Sessions can be requested by contacting the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558.
Counseling Vouchers
Farmers and farm family members can obtain in person counseling services from a participating mental health provider in their local area at no cost. Vouchers can be requested by contacting the Wisconsin Farm Center Helpline at (800) 942-2474.
Online Farmer and Farm Couple Support Groups
8 p.m. | 2nd Tuesday of every month | Will not take place during May through October 2023
Register Here
8 p.m. | 4th Monday of every month
Register Here
Focused on bringing farmers and farm couples together in a safe space to share challenges and offer encouragement, comfort, and advice.
Open to any farmer, farm couple, or farm family member located in Wisconsin.
Limited to eight participants per session.
If you would like to be anonymous, please feel free to turn off your camera and use only your first name during sessions.
A licensed mental health provider with experience serving farmers and/or a trained peer leader(s) will be on hand to help facilitate.
By joining, you agree to be respectful to participants and keep information shared confidential.
You are welcome and encouraged to join as many sessions as you like.
Online Farm Culture Training for Agricultural Service Providers
Register Here
This is a free virtual course to help agricultural service providers understand the unique stresses and challenges of farming, handle difficult conversations, and recognize signs and symptoms of stress with farm clients.
Ag lenders, milk haulers, nutritionists, veterinarians, farm equipment technicians, and others that provide services to farmers regularly are encouraged to take the training. Each module includes a 15 to 20-minute video presentation followed by interactive questions. The course is self-paced and modules can be viewed in any order.
This course is organized into the following five modules:
- The Culture of Farming by Dan Smith – President and CEO, Cooperative Network
- Recognizing Farmer Stress by Renee Sutkay – Associate Director, Journey Mental Health
- Financial Unpredictability in Farming by Paul Dietmann – Senior Lending Officer, Compeer Financial
- Navigating Difficult Conversations with Farmers by Elaine Froese – Farm Transition Specialist
- Resources and Self-care for Agriculture Service Providers by Chris Frakes – Program Director, Farm Well Wisconsin