By Joclyn Kuboushek
Multimedia Specialist | Iowa Soybean Association
At the Iowa Soybean Association, our motto is Driven to Deliver and that extends far beyond agronomy, policy, research, trials, and market insights. Yes, our role is to be a trusted partner to soybean farmers by providing the information they need to make informed decisions for their operations. But as a staff team, we realized there is another critical area where farmers deserve support: mental health.
Farmers experience some of the highest stress levels of any profession. Weather, markets, input costs, livestock care, regulations, and long hours all contribute to a workload that can feel relentless. It’s no secret that agriculture faces one of the highest suicide rates in the country. With that reality in mind, ISA has made mental health awareness and support an emerging priority. We’re committed to creating space for conversations, sharing stories that remind farmers they aren’t alone, and connecting them with resources that can make a meaningful difference.
Agriculture and mental health are two topics that have shaped my life from a young age. My dad is a farmer in northeast Iowa, and my mom is a mental health professional — so I grew up in a home where conversations about stress, emotions, and the realities of farm life were normal. I’ve also personally faced anxiety and know how debilitating it can feel. The thoughts of “this will never end,” “I’m the only one going through this,” or the spiral of negativity can shake you to your core. But I was fortunate to be encouraged to talk about what I was feeling and to ask for help, even when that felt uncomfortable. Therapy gave me tools that I still use today and it’s why I’m passionate about helping others access the same kind of support.
Farming isn’t just physically demanding, it’s emotionally demanding. The pressures farmers face can build up over months or years, quietly affecting sleep, decision-making, relationships, and even the overall health of an operation. That’s why I’m grateful ISA is leaning into this area. Supporting farmers’ mental health isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s foundational to helping farmers thrive, stay safe, and make sound decisions for their families and farms.
Recently, ISA partnered with ISU Extension to offer Mental Health First Aid training to both farmers and staff. This training equips people to recognize warning signs, understand different types of mental health challenges, and approach conversations with confidence and compassion. We’ve also been intentional about highlighting mental health topics and farmer stories in the Iowa Soybean Review to help reduce stigma and remind readers that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
There’s more work to do and we’re committed to continuing it. My hope is that agricultural organizations across Iowa and beyond continue to come together on this issue. Farmers deserve resources, community, and understanding. And the more we talk openly about mental health in agriculture, the closer we get to breaking down stigma and building a healthier, more resilient farm community.
