Mental Health in Animal Agriculture: Discussing the challenges  

Amid the golden fields and early morning routines, a silent struggle is occurring in the agriculture community—mental health. While farmers and ranchers are known for their resilience and grit, the weight of isolation, financial pressures, unpredictable weather, and generational expectations can take a heavy toll. It’s time to break the silence and acknowledge that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. I want to take a moment to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by those who feed the world—and why mental health awareness has become part of the conversation in rural America.