Mental Health Legislation Seeks to Improve Farmer Resources and Rural Life

July 23, 2025 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – Legislative action seeking to expand and improve mental health resources across rural communities could better connect Iowa farmers with critical and personalized care. The Farmers First Act, co-sponsored earlier this month by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in the U.S. House and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the U.S. Senate, would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to connect farmers with mental health resources and increase funding to $15 million annually for additional staff support over five years.

Brent Swart, president of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and farmer from Spencer, issued the following statement on the legislation:

“Farming brings its own set of unique pressures that can stretch far beyond being physically demanding. Improving access to mental healthcare within rural health centers and hospitals could be life-changing for many farmers. It would also strengthen our ability to maintain a thriving farm operation for future generations. We thank Representative Feenstra for his leadership in bringing this issue before the House, and applaud Senator Ernst for introducing companion legislation in the Senate. With these actions, Iowa farmers are one step closer to accessing additional resources and support in their local communities.”

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Not funded by the soybean checkoff

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The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.

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