From the President
Gene Copenhaver
TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER
As cattle producers, we are blessed to live where we can enjoy the solitude and tranquility of wide open spaces. It’ s the life we choose because we are dedicated to stewarding the land and livestock for future generations. Family is a big part of what keeps our farms and ranches across the country alive, but even surrounded by relatives and community, loneliness and worry often creep in.
With financial burdens, labor concerns, and drought looming over farming and ranching families, it’ s no secret that suicide rates are higher in rural counties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2000 and 2020, suicide rates increased by 46 % in nonmetro areas versus an increase of 27 % in metro areas. There were nearly 50,000 suicide deaths in 2024 in the United States. That’ s a staggering loss of life. Sadly, I think suicide has touched each of us in some way.
While we often seek peace in quiet landscapes, the rural way of life has many challenges including harsh weather, lack of connectivity and limited services. One obstacle that is often overlooked is access to mental health resources. When producers are silently struggling with finances, wrangling tough decisions and quickly losing hope, who, and where, do they turn?
Ours is a noble career, but one some may call isolating and lacking human connection. Although we may live farther away
We are an independent bunch, and we aren’ t good at asking for help. Today, I’ m asking for your help, and it is a simple request: be there for each other.
from our neighbors, they are still there. Remember your friend down the road who helped you rebuild fence following a fire or fed cattle during the blizzard? That community is there no matter what you need, even simply for someone to talk to.
We are an independent bunch, and we aren’ t good at asking for help. Today, I’ m asking for your help, and it is a simple request: be there for each other. Watch out for others and notice changes in routines, children struggling at school, an increase in illness or farm accidents, a decrease in activities, or a decline in animal care. These may be signs that someone in your community needs help but doesn’ t know what to do. Reach out and be there even before they need to ask.
There’ s a stigma in our industry about mental health and discussing the strains of everyday life. We are eager to talk about the weather, markets or politics at the coffee shop, so why can’ t we open up about how we are feeling, how things are going at home or the problems we are facing. Sometimes it’ s as simple as someone taking an interest and listening to us for things to change direction. Seems like an easy way to possibly save a life.
As we gather around the dinner table to give thanks, let’ s remember that some in our communities may be hurting. Not from physical wounds, but from the stress that can accompany our demanding work. Watch for changes, ask questions and offer assistance. Help is closer than you think, so let’ s take care of one another.
Resources: Farming and ranching are stressful occupations and often lead to feelings of anxiety, pressure and depression. Below are groups that provide tools, peer support and education on mental health awareness.
Farm State of Mind A campaign built to reduce the stigma and provide access to information that promote farmer and rancher mental wellness. Visit www. fb. org / initiative / farm-state-of-mind
Rural Minds A national non-profit advocating for rural mental health equity and confronting challenges surrounding mental illness, serving agriculture communities and isolated areas across the U. S. Visit www. ruralminds. org
Farm Aid The Farm Aid Hotline connects farmers and ranchers to those who can provide crisis assistance, emotional support and help with individual needs. Call 1-800-FARM-AID or visit www. farmaid. org.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline. org. www. NCBA. org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 5