Nestled in rural Kentucky, you will find a tight knit farming community. According to the 2017 Agriculture Census, Owen County Kentucky had 1,308 producers. Currently nationwide, farmers have the highest rate of suicide. Farmers have demanding jobs that are often challenged by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events, and isolation. Rural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which can make it difficult for families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or another mental health crisis. The good news is you’re never alone.

Why is the rate so high you may ask?  One reason may be that the average age of the American farmer is 67 years old. Many farmers don't have a succession plan in place for their operation. They've realized that they are not physically able to farm anymore, and they don't have anyone lined up that can take over what they started.

On Wednesday June 1^st, 2022, the Owen County Agriculture & Natural Resource Extension Agent, Kendal Bowman, partnered with the Director of Prevention Coalition, Tammy Wolcott with Northern Kentucky University. United Producers Inc. Owenton Livestock Marketing, Owen County Chamber of commerce, and Leadership Owen County 2022. With this partnership Wolcott & Bowman trained 9 business leaders in QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.). This training is to bring awareness and resources for mental health, specifically suicide, within the farming community. The trainees represented various industries that interact with this at risk audience such as the electric company, stockyard, extension office, financial institutions. The goal is to equip varies community leaders to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts/actions and take steps towards helping others. 

Bowman also includes information for Raising Hope KY in his newsletters and printed material. Raising Hope KY is an organization that promotes the physical/mental health and safety of Kentucky’s (KY’s) farmers and farm families through translational research, prevention/intervention, and community education/outreach informed by key stakeholders with the common goal to enhance quality of life for our farmers and farm families.