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Depressed ag economy resulting in increased farmer mental health concerns

A commercial agriculture educator with the University of Illinois says a depressed ag economy is weighing on farmers’ mental health.

“Comparing these economic times that we’re in now to what happened back in the 80s, we’re not quite at that point, but everybody’s stressed right now.”

Emily Hansen says the number of farm families seeking mental health resources is on the rise.

“We definitely are.”  She says, “I think the past year has been really challenging for a lot of people. Farmers are the suffer in silence kind of types. So, when they start expressing these concerns to me that’s when I start to get a little bit worried.”

She tells Brownfield…

“Reach out to the farmers in your life, check in on them, see how they’re doing.”  She says, “We can get really isolated when we live in these rural areas, when our neighbors are farther away. You want to make sure that the farmers in your life are doing well.”

Hansen says farmers and their families can reach out for free, confidential resources through the Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.  Illinois farmers are eligible for free mental health service vouchers through the U of I Extension.

Brownfield spoke with Hansen at the 2025 Greater Peoria Farm Show.

AUDIO: Emily Hansen – U of I Extension