Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Montana Democrat John Tester sponsored a bill, earlier this year, aimed at addressing the suicide rates among farmers and those involved in agriculture. The measure called the Seeding Rural Resilience Act is now awaiting approval as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Senator Grassley talked about the movement of the legislation as part of his press conference with ag media. Grassley says while he wishes that it could have been a stand-alone bill, he is hopeful it will be voted on by the end of the week.
Grassley outlines the tools that the Seeding Rural Resiliency Act will provide to curb farmer suicides in uncertain times. These tools include training for USDA employees to recognize the warning signs and get help for those farmers. Grassley says these individuals could be the first line of defense in saving lives.
Grassley says that even in the best of times, farming can be stressful. Combine that with the derecho, volatile exports, prices, and COVID-19, it all can add up quickly.
Grassley acknowledges that it is not always easy for people to talk about their problems, and that pride can get in the way. Therefore, it is important for USDA employees to get this training to help recognize the signs.
