How a new voucher program is helping South Dakota farm families weather stress and cultivate emotional well-being.
By: Andrea Bjornestad
This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue.
In South Dakota, agriculture is more than an industry. It is a way of life woven into the identity of families, communities, and generations. But, behind the long days in the field and the resilience farm families are known for, mental health challenges have increasingly come into focus. Farmers and ranchers face significant stress from unpredictable weather, rising costs, labor shortages, financial pressures, and the responsibility of sustaining operations that have often been in families for generations.
These challenges affect not only producers, but entire families including spouses balancing multiple roles, children growing up in high-stress environments, and loved ones carrying the emotional weight that often comes with agricultural life. Conversations around mental health in rural communities are becoming more common, helping reduce stigma and encouraging families to seek support when needed.
Recognizing the growing need to increase access to mental health care and improve the affordability of counseling services, South Dakota State University Extension launched the Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program for agricultural producers and their families. Through a partnership with Rising Hope Counseling, the program offers up to five free counseling sessions for farmers, ranchers, spouses, children, and agribusiness professionals.
With 28 locations across South Dakota and telehealth options available, families can access counseling services from a nearby office or the comfort of home. In addition to improving depressive and anxiety symptoms, counseling can be helpful for relationship issues, improving family communication, discussing generational transitions in farming, decreasing stress, learning effective coping skills and managing grief or loss. An interest form can be completed on the SDSU Extension or Rising Hope webpages.
If you are experiencing farm stress or want to help others who are experiencing farm stress, organizations have expanded efforts across South Dakota. The following resources include other options for seeking assistance:
Resources
- Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline
The Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline is staffed with mental health professionals who can discuss symptoms and provide referral information. The hotline is staffed 24/7, and the call is confidential. The phone number is 1-800-691-4336.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 with trained operators who respond to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Trained operators respond to texts, chats, or WhatsApp messages 24/7. Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live crisis counselor.
The Concern Hotline is operated by Iowa State University Extension and is available 24/7. Trained operators answer calls, chats, and emails on specific topic areas including financial issues, crisis/disaster response, stress, and suicidal ideations. Those residing in South Dakota can also call this hotline number to receive assistance.
When you contact Farm Aid, the goal is to connect farmers with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to individual needs. The Farmer Resource Network offers many ways to connect and assists all farmers regardless of scale or production.
- The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center
The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides information on training and professional services, a resource clearinghouse, and telephone helplines.
