Farmers First Act Aims to Expand Rural Health Support

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) have introduced the Farmers First Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort to combat the growing mental health crisis in rural America.

The proposed legislation would expand funding and support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program both Senators helped include in the 2018 Farm Bill.

“Wisconsin's farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep their businesses running and our Made in Wisconsin agricultural economy moving forward. But too often, the stress, isolation, and physical demands of this job leave them with nowhere to turn when it all gets to be too much,” said Senator Baldwin.

“I'm working to make sure our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need because no one should have to fight these battles alone.”

The Farmers First Act would reauthorize FRSAN and increase its funding from $10 million to $15 million annually for the next five years. This investment will help connect agricultural workers to mental health resources, including helplines, counseling, and suicide prevention training.

The bill also supports hiring behavioral health professionals and expands services to meet the specific needs of Veteran farmers and farmers of color.

FRSAN’s current four regional centers are already working to widen access to stress-related services. These include 24/7 hotlines, peer support groups, and training for rural Americans to recognize signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

The legislation responds to alarming statistics showing that farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association.

In addition to Baldwin and Ernst, co-sponsors include Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill is also backed in the House by Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04) and Angie Craig (D-MN-02).

“From trade uncertainty to labor shortages and natural disasters, many stressors are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers. Resources supported through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are more critical now than at any time in recent memory. said Sam Kieffer, Vice President, Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation.

"Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Craig and Feenstra, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their tireless commitment to supporting farmer and rancher mental health across the country.”

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