Introducing Finding Hope Together: A Farm State of Mind® Insights Series

Across rural America, the strength of our communities has always been rooted in looking out for one another. Yet, behind the resilience of our farms, ranches and small towns are real people facing real challenges, including mental health struggles that too often remain unseen and unspoken about. 

This September, in observance of Suicide Prevention Month, Farm State of Mind® is releasing a new five-part video series that offers real-world insights and showcases innovative, grassroots strategies designed to move the needle on mental well-being in rural communities. All conversations are moderated by Lydia Johnson, a veteran farm broadcast journalist who now works as a policy communications manager at Farm Credit Council.

Finding Hope Together: A Farm State of Mind® Insights Series is an invitation to have honest conversations, share practical insights and discover how each of us can play a role in creating stronger, healthier communities. The series is meant for anyone looking to support mental health well-being in rural America, whether that’s in your hometown, among your co-op or other network, or on a regional or national scale. New episodes will premiere every Wednesday in September, but we hope the insights will inspire people year-round to take action.

How to Watch

Each episode will be available on American Farm Bureau’s YouTube channel and at FarmStateOfMind.org. In addition, you can subscribe here to receive each episode delivered directly to your email inbox each week.

Episode Guide

Episode 1 - Perspectives from the Field: Firsthand Farmer Experiences 

Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 2

Tune in for a candid conversation with farmers Davis Peeler (South Carolina), Steve Breeding (Delaware), and Whitney Lawson (Oklahoma) as they share firsthand experiences navigating the mental load of farming — from loss and divorce to farm disasters. This episode dives into the realities of the agricultural way of life, offering a message of hope and actionable advice for how to support farmers through difficult seasons.  

Episode 2 - Turning Concern into Action at the Grassroots Level 

Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 9  

Grassroots advocates are essential to effective outreach, and many have identified tactics that are currently working in rural communities. Hear from Marshal Sewell (founder of the Mind Your Melon Foundation), Adrienne DeSutter (founder of Sow Hope, Grow Hope), and John Sachse (founder of RanchFIT coaching) as they discuss the unique programs they’ve built to improve mental well-being among farmers and ranchers. These leaders share what inspired them to "get off the fence," along with the practical insights gained along the way toward reducing stigma and creating a culture where mental health is supported proactively, rather than only at a point of crisis.  

Episode 3 - Expanding Access to Mental Health Resources for Rural Communities

Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 16

Clinical voices are key to closing the rural health care gap and offering proactive support to farm communities. Tune in for an exploration of rural care gaps and practical approaches for overcoming barriers with Dr. Ben Locke (Togetherall), Dr. Josie Rudolphi (University of Illinois), and Dr. Tara Haskins (AgriSafe Network). These experts will discuss evidence-based programs, technology and alternative support models that serve as innovative strategies for improving care access and navigating critical situations in farming and rural communities. These insights will help the practitioner and community member alike.

Episode 4 - The Power of Storytelling to Address Stigma

Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 23

Storytelling has the power to capture people’s attention, drive a conversation around rural mental health, and ultimately break through the stigma that too often is a barrier to seeking help. Hear from Brandee Izquierdo (Pew Charitable Trusts), Chris Files (“Out of the Shadows" 2025 documentary) and Sam Goldberg (2017 film “Silo,” 2026 limited tv series “Perfect Sundays") to explore how storytelling reshapes mental health engagement in rural communities and fosters a culture of proactive support.

Episode 5 - The Importance of Ag Stakeholder Involvement

Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 30

Explore the critical role of industry leadership in supporting farmer and rancher well-being. Join Anne Thompson (Farm Credit Council), Jessica Cabrera (American Farm Bureau Federation) and Tim Brennan (Farm Foundation) as they discuss how agricultural stakeholders are investing in mental health wellness. This episode delivers practical insights into leveraging collective influence and industry partnerships to support farm families nationwide.

Additional Mental Health Resources

American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative has a two-fold objective: to build awareness to reduce stigma and provide access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness. Visit FarmStateOfMind.org to access a national directory of mental health resources by state; tips on recognizing warning signs and how to start a conversation; Togetherall: an anonymous peer-to-peer support network that is free to all farmers and farm family members (ages 16+)​; no-cost counseling and consultation services for farm families nationwide​; free on-demand Rural Resilience training; and more. If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Farm State of Mind Alliance

This series would not be possible without the support of the Farm State of Mind Alliance, which brings together the nation's largest farmer membership organizations and the industry's most trusted brands to further support farmer and rancher well-being. By coordinating efforts under one initiative, the Alliance expands access to mental health resources and strengthens the culture of care among farm families and rural communities. To learn more about the Alliance, or if you are interested in joining, visit Fb.org/fsom-alliance.