Farmers across Ohio are in the midst of a worsening mental health crisis—one that is now surpassing national trends and placing significant strain on individuals, families, and the state’s rural communities. According to recent data, farmers are dying by suicide at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher than the general population. For Ohio’s agricultural workers, that risk is further amplified by a toxic mix of rising production costs, erratic weather patterns, labor shortages, and the overwhelming solitude that often comes with life on the land.
A 2024 statewide mental health survey of Ohio farmers found that over 60% reported declining mental well-being, citing chronic stress, depression, and burnout as persistent concerns. Many also expressed that they felt emotionally isolated and unsure of where to turn. Nearly half said they needed mental health services in the past year, yet most reported not receiving adequate care. Common barriers included lack of nearby providers, financial worries, and the fear that counselors wouldn’t understand the unique pressures of farm life.
These statistics are part of a larger trend: farmers nationally are experiencing serious mental health challenges, and Ohio is among the hardest-hit states. While the mental health needs of urban populations have received increased attention in recent years, rural communities remain underserved. In agricultural regions, stigma still surrounds the topic of mental illness, often keeping struggling farmers silent until it’s too late.
As the backbone of Ohio’s economy and food supply, farmers deserve better. Raising awareness, expanding access to culturally informed care, and creating safe spaces to talk openly about mental health are not optional—they're essential steps in addressing this rural emergency. Without immediate and targeted support, more farmers will be pushed beyond their limits.
If you’d like to sponsor a mental health awareness event for Ohio’s farmers, please contact us—we welcome partnerships from individuals, businesses, churches, and civic groups who want to make a real impact.
Farmers are facing stressors unlike ever before: volatile markets, isolation, and an uncertain future. But at the center of it all is a system that’s crushing family farms under the weight of skyrocketing property taxes. As these costs rise, more and more generational farms are being lost—not because of bad business, but because the land they steward has become too expensive to keep. That loss isn’t just economic—it’s deeply personal, and for many farmers, emotionally devastating.
Project Promise of Portage County is stepping in. We continue sponsoring town halls and community events that shine a light on the connection between mental health and economic injustice—especially property tax burdens that force farmers to sell land they’ve worked for decades. Saving our farmers means more than preserving our food supply—it means preserving lives, legacies, and the soul of rural Ohio.
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