MAYVILLE, NY (January 16, 2025) – Rural Minds Founder and Chairman Jeff Winton was presented with the prestigious “Cap Creal” Communicator of the Year Award at the 193rd Annual Forum of the New York State Agricultural Society on January 9, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. The event featured the NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets’ “State of Agriculture” address.

“On behalf of the 46 million rural Americans we serve, our partners and our team members, I am honored and grateful to have received the New York State Agricultural Society’s 2025 ‘Cap Creal’ Communicator Award,” said Winton. “We appreciate the recognition and opportunity to raise awareness for rural mental health challenges and expand our work partnering with individuals and organizations to improve rural mental health.”

There is a mental health crisis in rural America, where suicide rates are 64% to 68% higher compared to people living in large urban areas, according to the latest research from the CDC. Confronting barriers to mental health that are unique to rural communities and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, Rural Minds provides free information and services, along with rural mental health program initiatives on the Rural Minds website.

“Named for Harold “Cap” Creal, a farmer, New York State Agricultural Society member and New York State Assemblyman, this award is given in recognition of the importance of Jeff’s message and his effectiveness in delivering the story in New York and across the U.S.,” said Sheila A. Marshman, PhD, Division Chair for Animal and Plant Sciences and Agribusiness, and Associate Professor at State University of New York at Morrisville. “We are so pleased to recognize his notable achievements and to further advance the cause of Rural Minds to address the mental health crisis across rural America.”

The mission of the NYS Agricultural Society is to build a robust future for the New York food, agricultural and natural resource industries by providing networking and educational opportunities for its strongest advocates, decision-makers, and aspiring leaders. Given the diverse participation of attendees, the historic Annual Forum is an ideal platform to honor individuals and businesses who have lifted the state’s ag and food industry to new heights in terms of environmental stewardship, consumer outreach, farm safety and the production of quality, safe foodstuffs. NYS Ag Society honors are presented in eight categories including: farm safety, journalism, agricultural promotion, FFA Chapter of the Year, next generation farmers, business of the year, distinguished service, and century and bicentennial farms.

For additional information, visit NYSAgSociety.org.