Farmer Angel Network promotes mental health awareness in rural communities

The Mid-West Farm Report Network is expanding agricultural safety discussions to include mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being. This initiative aims to address the human side of farm safety, moving beyond physical hazards like machinery and grain bins to support rural communities.

Dorothy Harms, co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, shared how personal tragedies, including the suicide of her husband and a neighbor, led to the creation of the organization. What began as informal community gatherings has evolved into a grassroots effort involving churches, public health officials, and extension agents to provide support and address depression and anxiety within agricultural communities.