Farming might be an idealistic profession for some. Farmers are outside, working with animals, and growing food for our communities.

"A lot of people think that farming is a wonderful way of life, and they want to jump right in and take it on. [But] it’s one of the most stressful jobs a person can have," said Becky Wiseman, a licensed clinical social worker who works with NY Farm Net. That’s a program that helps farmers with their businesses and personal challenges related to their farms.

The founder of a group called Rural Minds says that the death of his 28-year-old nephew was a wake-up call to America’s rural mental health crisis.

Since then Jeff Winton has served as an advocate bringing mental health resources to the communities that need them.

A local nonprofit with a focus on mental health in agriculture and rural areas, Rural Minds, has partnered with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to release a new online course that was launched in mid-September. The course, titled “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America,” is catered towards veterinarians, vet students and agribusiness professionals. It is designed to give learners practical support strategies and resources to navigate mental health challenges in rural communities. While it is focused mostly on veterinarians and agribusiness professionals, the course is free and open to anyone with an interest.

A new resource is available to provide practical support strategies and information to help navigate mental health challenges in rural communities. Julie Lux says Rural Minds has partnered with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet to provide the “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America” course. “It’s targeted to veterinarians because we know how important veterinarians are in rural communities and what a big part they frequently play,” he says. “They may be the people that can see those signs.”