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Legislatively funded rural mental health specialists say demand from farmers has surged
Summary
Two legislatively funded rural mental-health specialists described a rise in agrarian stress, calls for help, and training work with providers and families. They asked lawmakers to note the program’s capacity limits and the need for continued support.
Monica McConkie and a second legislatively funded rural mental‑health specialist (identified in testimony as Mr. Matthews) told the House Ag Finance and Policy Committee that they provide no‑cost, farm‑competent counseling, crisis support, suicide-prevention training, and outreach to agricultural families across Minnesota.
"From my perspective, the most common presenting problems that arose in 2024 ... were stress, of course, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, farm family member conflict, especially during transition succession planning, as…
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