Since at least the 1980s, it has been recognized that farm consolidation, the loss of friends, businesses and rural services, together with the depressed farm financial situation, elevates levels of depression, family breakdown and suicide (Haverstock, 1987; Walker and Walker, 1988). A May 2021 farmer survey reveals that the situation has likely become worse since then, despite the existence of more mental health programs, as three quarters of respondents reported moderate to high stress and one-third of farmers reported thoughts of suicide (see Wozniak, 2022 and ajbresearch.com). The programs can help on a one on one basis but do not address the underlying causes of depression which reside in low income and community demise.
