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3. 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference

Western Regional Ag Stress Assistance Partnership

Maddy Vanderkooy

Summary

Agricultural producers across the Western United States face escalating levels of financial strain, environmental uncertainty, and operational pressure, which are conditions that contribute to elevated stress levels and increased suicide risk. Despite these realities, many producers remain reluctant to access behavioral health services due to stigma, cultural norms of self-reliance, and limited availability of rural mental health providers. This presentation examines the work of the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Partnership (WRASAP) and its role in expanding evidence-informed outreach, training, and resource dissemination to agricultural communities that historically underutilize mental health support.
Drawing upon outreach data, stakeholder feedback, and multi-state Extension collaborations, this session will describe WRASAP’s strategies for delivering mental health and suicide-prevention education in culturally congruent and accessible formats. Specific approaches include embedding stress-management education within existing agricultural networks, utilizing non-clinical language that aligns with producer values, and developing partnerships with commodity groups, farm organizations, and rural service providers. The presentation will also outline how culturally adapted suicide-prevention efforts function as a critical risk-management tool, supporting not only individual well-being but also workforce sustainability, operational continuity, and long-term agricultural resilience.
Participants will gain an understanding of: (1) the unique behavioral health challenges facing Western agricultural producers, (2) effective models for reducing stigma and increasing engagement, and (3) the broader implications of farmer mental health for national food system stability. Findings and recommendations will support Extension professionals in designing, evaluating, and scaling outreach programs that enhance producer well-being and strengthen agricultural risk-management capacity.

Details

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