Farmer crisis hotline offers 24/7 counseling

Wisconsin farmers facing increased stress, and other challenges, can access free and confidential counseling resources, by contacting the Farm Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

As part of a new pilot program, the Farm Center can now connect callers to a 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline. Licensed mental health professionals contracted by the department will provide immediate, in-the-moment care.

In addition to the 24/7 hotline, long-term options are available. Callers can schedule ongoing telehealth counseling sessions from a contracted licensed counselor based in Wisconsin, with referrals made through the 24/7 hotline or through the Wisconsin Farm Center.

Those who prefer an in-person session, can request to meet with a local provider through the Farm Center’s longstanding Counseling Voucher Program.

“The 24/7 Farmer Counseling Hotline is available around the clock as a welcoming ear for farmers who need to talk through a challenging time in their life,” said Farm Center director Jayne Krull. “We hope that this initial pilot program will help us better understand whether a 24/7 hotline and telecounseling are viable tools for our farmers with mental health needs.”

This pilot program is made possible by funding that was provided in Gov. Tony Evers’ 2019-21 biennial budget and approved by the state legislature. The 24/7 hotline and telecounseling services are two of several initiatives developed by the Farm Center, in response to increased challenges faced by the agricultural industry.

The Farm Center launched Rural Realities, a podcast offering advice to farmers and farm service providers, about managing stress and anxiety. To listen to the podcast, visit FarmCenter.wi.gov.

Later in July, the Farm Center will host Question-Persuade-Refer trainings for people who work closely with farmers, so they can learn how to identify the warning signs of a suicide crisis and direct the person to appropriate resources.

The wellness hotline can be reached at 1-888-901-2558.