September 2025 Articles of Interest

Across the nation, organization's are focusing on September Suicide Prevention Month. Here are some articles supporting our rural agricultural communities.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.

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Tune into the latest episode of the Rural Realities Podcast, “Building Trust as a Foundation for Assisting with Transition Planning.”

In this episode, Nikki Lennart, Ag Program Specialist, connected with her colleague, Karen Endres, to discuss her unique background and approach to her new role. Nikki joined the Wisconsin Farm Center team in June. From working with beginning farmers to helping farmers navigate the process of transferring farms from one generation to the next or transitioning from one type of agriculture to another, Nikki Lennart is ready for the call. Tune into this episode at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1160120/episodes/17582117.

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State losing dairy farms, but some persevere

Pushing Forward | Rick Barrett | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Impact of Social Isolation on Farmers & 10 Tips to Help Build Social Connections and Overcome Loneliness

Jeff Winton | Edible Western NY

The power of scents and how they can improve your mental health

Darla Tyler-McSherry | Farmers' Advance

Baldwin, Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Care for Farmers, Rural Communities

Press Release

How a rancher’s darkest moment led to unexpected joy

Doug Ferguson | Farm Progress

Agriculture Burnout Is Real: Why We Need to Talk About Mental Health

EllaMae Reiff | DTN Progressive Farmer

Resources available for coping with stress

Ag UPDATE

Spotlight on Rural Mental Health | Mental Health Information and Resources for Farmers, Ranchers and Their Families

DTN Progressive Farmer

How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Stress

American Psychiatric Association article

Proposed Federal Cuts Put Rural Behavioral Health Resources on the Line

Madeline de Figueiredo | The Daily Yonder

ManTherapy.org

Survival mode just won’t cut it. You’re a man who’s built to thrive. The Thriving Hub’s resources are packed with super-nutrients to help you unleash your full mental, physical, and spiritual potential.

The state of mental wellness among rural youth

Michele Payn | AgDaily

The Story Behind ‘Empty Barn’: A Song of Heartbreak on the Farm

15 Minutes With A Farmer Podcast| Successful Farming