The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has expanded the reach of its Farm State of Mind initiative by joining with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance to launch the Farm State of Mind Alliance.
The Farm Family Wellness Alliance began in 2020 as a pilot project by Farm Foundation and National 4-H Council. It expanded in 2023 to support offering Togetherall and Personal Assistance Services products to farm families nationwide.
Farm State of Mind, managed by Farm Bureau, will centralize resources and amplify messaging, allowing for a greater impact in rural communities.
“I’ve heard firsthand from Farm Bureau members how our Farm State of Mind resources are changing lives in rural communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I’m so proud to broaden our coalition and bring even more organizations alongside us to share the message that it’s okay not to be okay.”
Farm Bureau first began focusing on the issue of rural mental health in 2017 through a collaboration with National Farmers Union (NFU). The two organizations, along with Farm Foundation and 4-H, will participate in the Farm State of Mind Alliance as founding members.
“Family farmers and ranchers face enormous pressures today, and the effects on their mental health can’t be ignored,” said NFU President Rob Larew. Larew said the Farm State of Mind Alliance works to “make mental health care more accessible and break down barriers to support and strengthen the sense of community that has always defined rural America.”
Existing Farm State of Mind resources will remain available at the Farm State of Mind website, including a national resource directory for rural mental health services and the peer-to-peer support program, Togetherall.
“AFBF’s broad reach and deep network of affiliates will help ensure even more farmers can find care and community when they need it most,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Farm Foundation. Farm Foundation first began supporting farmer mental health wellness via a pilot project in Iowa in coordination with 4-H.
“Through partnerships like the Farm State of Mind Alliance, we’re building a culture where caring for the people is just as essential as caring for the land,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council.
Additional groups or organizations interested in supporting the work of the Farm State of Mind Alliance will have several options for getting involved. Organizations can support mental health wellness through a financial contribution or by amplifying Farm State of Mind resources and messages as a marketing partner.
Source: AFBF
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