Beyond Farmland: The Battle for Mental Health in the Rural Communities

Jeff Ditzenberger, a Wisconsin farmer and equipment salesman, is passionate about addressing the stigma surrounding mental health through his non-profit organization TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, and Supporting). Having experienced firsthand the struggles of mental health after serving in the military and losing a close friend to suicide in 2014, Ditzenberger is determined to eliminate the stigmas surrounding mental health and provide resources to those in need.

The documentary Greener Pastures, produced by a college student, sheds light on the need for more mental health resources in farming communities. The film features stories from two dairy farmers, a hog farmer, and Ditzenberger as a crop farmer. It showcases the challenges that farmers face regularly such as low prices, commodity fluctuations and lack of mental health resources available to them.

Ditzenberger acknowledges that mental health is still a difficult topic for many farmers who are often taught to be stoic and not talk about their feelings. He hopes to change that mindset and encourage more open conversations about mental health among farmers. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. For more information visit Brownfield Ag News dot com. To learn more about TUGS or view the documentary click on the provided links.