Working in agriculture can be extremely stressful, making it critical to have tools to manage challenges and maintain mental well-being.

That message comes from a panel of farmers and mental health professionals featured in a documentary that destigmatizes mental health, openly discusses challenges facing agricultural workers and provides resources to help farmers in times of crisis.

“That’s the focus of 'A Legacy of Hope,' a 45-minute film from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Farm Bureau,” explained Lisa Foust Prater, family and farmstead editor with Successful Farming. Prater moderated the panel during the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver last month.

“In Legacy, several farmers and ranchers share a glimpse into their lives, losing a loved one to suicide or facing their own struggles with mental health,” Prater said. “And they speak candidly about the difficulties faced by those in agriculture — the lack of mental health care and what a problem that is for all of us.

“While this film focuses on Colorado producers, the lessons apply to all of us involved in agriculture.” 

Jacob Walter, associate director of statewide initiatives and outreach at Colorado State University in Pueblo, grew up on his family’s cattle ranch. In 2016, his father took his own life. Since then, Walter and his family have been advocates for rural mental health.

“During that time, I was still in college, and I could just tell within myself that there was a sharp change between starting college and losing my dad,” Walter explained.

He turned to the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program (CAAMHP), which offers six free counseling sessions for farmers dealing with stresses like finances, drought, markets and legacy. CAAMHP is one of 19 programs in the U.S. that provide mental health services to the agricultural sector.

“I wanted to trust in relationships and friendships …, be able to talk about my dad and that experience without it being overwhelming,” Walter said. He also gained valuable tools to help manage his emotions.

Like Walter, Laura Negley was struggling. Experiencing insomnia, isolation and anxiety, she was missing out on the joy of farming as she and her family faced numerous challenges. Negley and her husband, John, own and operate J&L Farms with their son, Jace.

“Not wanting to be out and about with people … I would get anxiety attacks where I would have difficulty breathing,” Negley explained.

With support from her family, Negley sought counseling and, through therapy, was able to heal. Today, she is an advocate for mental health, testifying at the Colorado state legislature and participating in outreach efforts.

Reach out, seek help 

Chad Reznicek, a behavioral specialist with Colorado State University Extension and the Colorado AgriAbility Project, provides education and services to farmers facing physical challenges or disabilities. Kirsten Wulfsberg, the regional behavioral health specialist with Colorado State University Extension, also represents the AgriAbility Project.

Initially, the Legacy film was meant to educate mental health professionals about farmers’ challenges. However, the film ev­olved into a widely shared re­source supporting those in agriculture, Reznicek and Wulfsberg said.

Wulfsberg stressed the importance of open conversations when recognizing signs of struggle. “So when you notice that someone is not themselves and it’s consistent, my recommendation is to go straight to that person and ask them,” she said.

Reznicek emphasized that seeking help shouldn't be a source of embarrassment. He en­courages clients to reflect on what is going well. “We want to cultivate those elements while also taking on some of the problems,” he said.

Even simple techniques, like controlled breathing, can make a significant difference. “One of the simple things we can do is learn to breathe,” Reznicek said. “We control our breathing, we control our heart rate, and that pumps the brakes on the fight-or-flight response.”

Wulfsberg outlined three key steps toward emotional regulation and wellness. The acronym STOP stands for Stop, Think, Options and Plan. 

“So often we go from problem to fix,” she said. “You have to think, what are all the options that I have to fix this situation… and then choose your plan from that.”

Iowa farmers have access to a variety of mental health resources, especially during the current downturn in the agricultural economy.

Iowa State University’s Concern Hotline, created during the 1980s farm crisis, provides a place to talk about agricultural situations, legal issues or financial assistance. The toll-free hotline is available 24/7 at 800-447-1985.

The website farmstress.org of­­fers 170 unique resources, in­cluding national and regional hotlines, training programs and support group locations.

Additionally, Iowa farmers can visit the Iowa Farm Bureau website, which provides tools to help cope with farm and rural stress.

To watch "A Legacy of Hope," visit tinyurl.com/4bjrrrsb. To learn more about CAAMHP, visit campforhealth.org.