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Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline 833 600-2670

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is funding a new helpline to assist farmers and rural Minnesotans dealing with stress and mental health issues.

MDA senior advisor Meg Moynihan says agriculture presents unique challenges that are often difficult to talk about.

“Farming is a business in which it seems like you control very little but feel responsible for so much.  And we find that can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, worrying, whatever you want to call it.  There can be a lot of misery on the farm, both for the principal operator but also for family members.”

The Helpline is free, confidential, open 24/7, and staffed by professional counselors.

“People can really call about anything.  From sleeplessness, worry, drinking (alcohol), taking over the farm, to things that might be more of a crisis situation (and callers) don’t know what to do.”

The toll-free number is 833 600-2670.

The Farm and Rural Helpline can also connect callers to financial assistance programs, health and mental health services, legal help, and more.