Rural Minds Matter
Farmers and ranchers face uncertain times, which can lead to depression, stress, addictions and other mental/behavioral health concerns. Get the help you need.
Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Awards
Building on the last two years of success, KFB is again recognizing outstanding mental health advocates with the Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year and Young Advocate of the Year awards. In 2026, the award will increase to $2,000 per winner, demonstrating a continued dedication to strengthening mental health support in rural communities and recognizing individuals who are making a meaningful impact.
Do you or someone you know fit the bill? Nominate them or apply! There is an opportunity for those 18-35 and one for those above 35. Applications will open on April 30 and close July 17.
In addition to the increased award amount, selected recipients will receive well-deserved recognition at the Kansas Farm Bureau annual meeting or the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, plus, their story will be featured on www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter and www.kansaslivingmagazine.com, ensuring their impact reaches far and wide.
Nominations/applications will open April 30, 2026!
Read about the 2025 Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year and the 2025 Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year.
Rules:
- Selected winner agrees to allow Kansas Farm Bureau to publicize the award and its winners, including press releases, social media announcements and other promotional materials.
- Previous recipients of the 'Rural Minds Mater Advocate of the Year' award are not eligible to win again for at least two years post-selection. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and provide opportunities for new advocates to be recognized for their contributions to mental health advocacy in rural Kansas communities.
- Kansas Farm Bureau reserves the right to disqualify a nominee for reasons including false information or unethical behavior, which would result in forfeiture of winnings.
Getting Help
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text or Call 988
- Togetherall is a FREE, anonymous, online community that empowers farmers and their families to get and give support. Here are directions for signing up for Togetherall. This video also shows you how to sign up.
- A list of Ag Aware providers in the state of Kansas
Read more about farmers and ranchers who know the struggles you face and have experience managing mental health.
Mental Health Disorders:
www.drugwatch.com/health/mental-illness
Drugwatch is a free web health resource reviewed by the Health on the Net Foundation. A guide they've published covers disorders, warning signs and how to get treatment.
Ag Behavioral Health
The website of Michael Rosmann, rural psychologist, contains resources related to behavioral health for farmers and ranchers.
Kansas Department of Agriculture's Kansas Ag Stress
Recommended Videos/Webinars
Mental/Behavioral Health Videos
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Farm Stress: You Are Not Alone. Unpredictable weather, heavy workloads and financial worries can sometimes take their toll on farm families and lead to mental and emotional distress, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and even suicide. Video from Douglas County Extension.
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The Surprising Reality Of Depression And Suicide Among Farmers. Discussion of depression and suicide in farming community with special focus on the suicide of a Minnesota farmer and its affects on others.
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Green Blood Red Tears is a documentary about a Kentucky farmer who committed suicide. Ag-Culture Media, Middletown, Kentucky.
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Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide. Mennonite Media.
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Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness. Mennonite Media.
Mental/Behavioral Health Webinars
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"Farm Stress and Mental Health" Kansas Farm Bureau
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"Mental Health First Aid" National AgrAbility Project
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"Stress Management on the Farm" MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture.
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"Rural Behavioral Health Learning Collaborative - Understanding the Opioid Crisis & Community Strategies" The TA Network and SAMHSA.
Mental/Behavioral Health Podcasts
- Shannon Ferrell - This World Is Better With You In It
Training Programs
- The Rural Resilience Training Program
- Developed by Michigan State University Extension and designed for individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to help recognize signs of stress and offer resources.
- State/County Farm Bureau staff and members can register for the online training here. The training is free for all Farm Bureau staff and members.
- Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR)
- Suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question "Are you thinking about suicide?" and then helping others get appropriate help. For more information or to schedule a QPR training, please contact Rebecca McFarland, mcfarla@ksu.edu.