ISA Cares: Mental health training illuminates opportunities to support farmers

May 29, 2025 | Joclyn Kuboushek

At the Iowa Soybean Association, our mission is simple: We’re driven to deliver. Our staff is here to support farmers through research, policy, market demand, timely information, and communication. But we also recognize there’s more we can do. With farmers facing an increased risk of mental health challenges, ISA welcomed staff and farmers to take part in Mental Health First Aid (MFA) training.

This training is just one way we’re working to better serve and support our members in every aspect of their lives.

Offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, participants united in an 8-hour, in-person certification focused on learning how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers die by suicide at a rate that's 3.5 times higher than the national average for all occupations. That stat alone is a powerful reminder of just how important it is to support the mental well-being of those who grow our food and fuel.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but ISA staff members understand that farmers may deal with mental health challenges all year round.

After completing the Mental Health First Aid training, Devin Benish, ISA’s digital media manager, shared that it gave him a renewed perspective on how to support others.

“I took this training to be better equipped to recognize mental health challenges in others and respond with empathy and readiness when it matters most.,” he said. “My hope is that we see a cultural shift in rural America and we move toward a future where talking about mental health is as normal as talking about physical health.”

Danielle Day, Health and Human Sciences Educator, and Tammy Jacobs, Human Sciences Manager, led a full day of mental health training to staff and farmers. They made it clear that participants completing the certification weren’t there to become licensed to diagnose or treat anyone. Instead, the goal is to recognize the signs and offer support by connecting people to the help they need.

“We can all equip ourselves with the tools and skills to recognize when something seems “off” with someone, then engage in a helpful way and show that there are people who care,” Day said. “All it takes is one person to show kindness to make someone feel seen and heard.”

Since 2018, this program has certified more than 2,200 people across Iowa. It is a great fit for just about anyone, including farmers, educators, healthcare workers, employers, and community members. The goal is to help people feel prepared when someone is struggling and guide them toward the help they need.

During the training, Day and Jacobs emphasized the critical importance of not only recognizing mental health struggles but also knowing where to turn for help. Whether someone is facing a crisis or simply needs someone to talk to, several trusted resources are available, specifically geared toward farmers, rural families, and everyday Iowans.

In an emergency or mental health crisis

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Available 24/7, this national lifeline offers free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for individuals and professionals.

For non-emergencies or ongoing support

Iowa Concern Hotline | Call 800-447-1985 | Visit extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern

Available 24/7, this service is free and confidential. Iowans can call, email, or chat with trained staff to get support for legal questions, financial concerns, stress management, or disaster-related challenges.

Your Life Iowa | Call | 855-581-8111 | Text 855-895-8398 | Visit yourlifeiowa.org

A statewide resource offering live chat, text, and phone support. It provides reliable information, treatment options, and connections to licensed mental health and substance use providers throughout Iowa.

https://farmfamilywellness.com/pas-services/family-and-individual-counseling/

When asked what advice she’d give to farmers facing mental health challenges, Day says, “Simply acknowledging that you’re not alone is huge. In agriculture, many people work solo in their roles and don’t always feel supported or connected. It’s important to focus on building social connections as a protective factor whether that’s through a card club, coffee group, men’s group, or simply helping each other out on the farm. Surrounding yourself with positive influences where you can be open and honest about daily life makes a difference. Also, talking with a professional isn’t a sign of weakness. Everyone can benefit from having an unbiased person to listen without judgment and help navigate thoughts so we can be the best versions of ourselves.”

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will keep offering Mental Health First Aid trainings, along with other mental health-focused sessions throughout the year in-person and virtually. Currently select counties have access to FEMA disaster response funding through Iowa Health and Human Services and ISU has some limited Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network funding for those who work in the agricultural sector. If you're interested in bringing this training to your workplace or community, reach out to Danielle Day at daday@iastate.edu.

Contact Joclyn Kuboushek at jbushman@iasoybeans.com.

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