According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), farmers are at the top of list for having the highest suicide rates of all major industry and occupational groups. The CDC further reports that the suicide rate among farm workers (ages 16-64) has jumped 34% from 12.9 suicides per 100,000 workers in 2000 to 17.3 per 100,000 workers in 2016. Suicides among farmers are 1.5 times higher than the national average and are probably higher because some farm suicides may be masked as farm-related accidents. For well over three decades, the occupational health risks of farming have been documented and studies consistently underscore the importance of interventions to promote health and wellness and prevent suicide. Yet farmer suicide rates continue to rise. Researchers report most farmers live in rural areas far from health professionals to address isolation concerns, aging concerns, and chronic medical and/or mental health concerns. To address this need, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with the University of Kentucky College of Nursing to build capacity of rural communities to support rural mental health not only across the Commonwealth, but also as part of a 15-state southern region project.  This partnership has successful secured more than $1.45 million to support programming efforts, including the adaption of The Farm Dinner Theater program to specifically address farm crisis situations including suicide awareness.  Over the course of the next three years, a comprehensive SWOT analysis will be conducted to identify potential programming opportunities.  Additionally, we have greatly increased our capacity to offer QPR Gatekeeper Certification and the Mental Health First Aid Program.  Funders supporting programming efforts in this area include the Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Nurses Action Coalition, and the USDA.