Senator Baldwin introduces bill to address mental health of farmers

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced the “Farmers First Act of 2025” bill to Congress Tuesday, a bill that would expand mental healthcare access for farmers.

According to a news release, Senator Baldwin was joined by Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is presenting the legislation. The proposed law strives to increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), which connects agricultural workers to stress assistance programs and resources. The new bill would authorize $15 million in funding for FRSAN and allow the organization to hire additional staff as well as address the needs of different farming populations.

In a time when mental health challenges in rural and agricultural communities are on the rise, Senator Baldwin says they shouldn’t have to combat those struggles alone.

Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep their businesses running and our Made in Wisconsin agricultural economy moving forward. But too often, the stress, isolation, and physical demands of this job leave them with nowhere to turn when it all gets to be too much. I’m working to make sure our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need because no one should have to fight these battles alone.

FRSAN regional centers are currently working to expand access to hotlines, training residents of rural areas to identify the signs of mental distress and creating farmworker support groups. Visit FRSAN’s website for additional information.