Фермерське бюро округу Самтер та компанія Everglades Equipment Group сприяють зміцненню психічного здоров'я фермерів

In an effort to support farmer mental health, the Sumter County Farm Bureau in Florida partnered with Everglades Equipment Group in 2024 to place decals featuring the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline hotline on every John Deere cab tractor sold in the state. This initiative aims to remind farmers that immediate help is accessible through a simple phone call or text.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline operates a national network of crisis centers, offering free, confidential emotional support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, available 24/7 in the United States. James Sutton, president of the Sumter County Farm Bureau, emphasized the mental health challenges faced by farmers, including extreme weather, financial instability, and labor shortages. He stated, “Farmers encounter daily stressors that can impact their mental well-being. By integrating mental health awareness into the farming environment, we aim to foster a culture in which it is recognized that seeking help is acceptable.”

Tommie Peebles III, site manager at Everglades Equipment Group in Leesburg, expressed pride in collaborating with the Farm Bureau to tackle mental health issues in agriculture. He noted, “Utilizing the visibility of John Deere tractors allows us to reach farmers across Florida and remind them of available resources. If our efforts can help even one person, we consider it a success.”

In addition to the decals, the Farm Bureau developed a flyer outlining signs of distress and including the 988 hotline number along with resources like the AFBF Farm State of Mind Resource directory. The Florida Farm Bureau has also promoted these mental health resources on their Facebook page to increase awareness.

This partnership has received recognition, as the 988 decal initiative earned Sumter County a 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence Award. Sumter County and other winners showcased their initiatives at the AFBF Convention in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this year. Additionally, the Florida Farm Bureau was awarded an AFBF Communications Award for its effective promotion of the program and mental health resources.