Mental Health
We recognize farming is a stressful career and COVID-19 has only added to that. As farmers, we are known for our work ethic and strong sense of pride. Coping and dealing with stress is vital and we want to help be part of the solution by connecting people to resources that can help. 
Agricultural Mental Health & Wellness Brochure.pdf15.4 MB
Ted Matthews has worked with rural issues in counseling for over 20 years. He has been director of mental health services during two natural disasters in the 1990s. Ted also has extensive counseling experiences in the areas of crisis intervention, family issues, suicidology and domestic abuse. He can be reached at 320-266-2390 or visit https://www.farmcounseling.org/.
Monica Kramer McConkey has worked in the mental health sector for the past 25 years. Her background includes work with youth and adults and covers a wide range of emotional challenges. Her recent work focuses on emotional stress of farmers and consulting with agriculture industry groups Monica Kramer McConkey can be reached at 218-280-7785 or visit https://www.eyesonthehorizon.org/.
Please feel free to download this flyer about Ted and Monica and share with others. Agricultural Rural Mental Health and Wellness.pdf3.22 MB
National Mental Health Resources:
Beginning mid-year in 2022, a new 3-digit dialing code (988) was established nation-wide to reach crisis support. Calls, texts and online chats are supported, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Anyone experiencing mental health-related distress (suicide, mental health, and/or substance use crisis) can call, chat or text 988 for free and confidental support. When you connect to 988 from a Minnesota area code or zip code (for chat), you will be routed to one of the four Lifeline Centers supported by the Minnesota Department of Health. To learn more, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/mnresponse/988.html.
Regional Mental Health Resources:
Austin - Down on the Farm Resource Directory42.82 KB- Marshall - Down on the Farm Resource Directory42.81 KB
- N Mankato - Down on the Farm Resource Directory49.76 KB
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also has a page with additional resources dedicated to coping with farm and rural stress.
There is also a Minnesota Farm & Rural Hotline you can call: 833-600-2670
It is free and confidential 24 hrs/day, 7 days per week.