Owen County, KY is primarily farmland and agriculture based. According to the 2022 KY Census and County Profile, 61% of land in Owen County is dedicated to agriculture. Farmers are one of the highest-concern individuals when it comes to Suicide attempts and ideations. According to Norrod, P. E., Sanderson, W. T., Abner, E. L., Seals, J., & Browning, S. in the Journal of Rural Mental Health published in 2023, “Trend analysis revealed a statistically significant 2.4% annual percent change in rates over the 15-year study period. Suicide rates among male farmers showed evidence of an increase from 2003 to 2017. Farmer suicide rates parallel the rates of the U.S. population; thus, farmer suicide remains a public health concern.” (Norrod, et. Al, 2023).

On May 6^th, 2025, the Owen County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Kendal Bowman, and the Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent, Bryce Charles, led a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training in partnership with the local FFA chapter. The session focused primarily on using QPR tactics to help prevent suicide but also placed an emphasis on checking in with Farmers and struggling youth.  4 adults and 7 youth participated in the training and became certified QPR Gatekeepers.

The mission of the QPR institute is “To save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.” (QPR Institute)

The program received very positive feedback. One participant told the Agents, “At first, I didn’t really know what to expect, but the QPR training was actually super helpful. It taught me how to notice if someone might be struggling and how to talk to them without making things worse. I feel way more confident now about what to say and how to get someone help.”