WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) championed a bipartisan effort to highlight the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face as part of Mental Health Month, introducing a Senate resolution to designate May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. 

“On Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, we recognize and support hardworking farmers and producers. Agriculture comes with unique challenges and pressures, many outside a producer’s control, which can take a serious toll on mental health and wellbeing,” Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said. “Today and every day, we encourage conversation and access to resources that support the people at the center of American agriculture. We are committed to strengthening critical mental health services for farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Farm Bill 2.0.”

“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.” 

“Colorado farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face unprecedented challenges from severe drought to increased costs that can take a toll on their mental health,” Bennet said. “I’ve consistently worked to expand access to affordable, reliable mental health care for all Coloradans and am grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Providing visibility and awareness to address these challenges is essential for progress.”

The senators’ resolution cites factors including weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices that pose distinct challenges for farmers and the ag labor force. The measure also aims to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental health and cites support offered by the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

Click here for resources available through USDA.

Click here to view text of the resolution.