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Farmers checking in on each other at Iowa State Fair

Farm stress is intensifying amid weather challenges and low commodity prices. 

Aaron Putze with the Iowa Soybean Association says the fair is a great opportunity to connect with consumers and farmers.

“The farmers that I bump into here at the Fair, one of the first things I ask is ‘how are you doing?’ There’s no reason to beat around the bush or avoid the conversation, I like to ask. First of all I want to acknowledge, second of all I want to understand what they’re going through.”

He tells Brownfield ISA is drawing attention to farmer mental health.

“So that people do seek out resources, and I think more than that it’s just all of us just being human and having those conversations recognizing that this is a challenging time.”

Brownfield interviewed Putze Friday during the Iowa State Fair.