Regardless of the venue, Brown’s life work has been one of service. Brown now serves as the behavioral health state specialist for Extension, based on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. His work focuses on farm stress management, workplace resilience, relationship education, mental health literacy, and suicide prevention.

“We are seeing more stress among farmers this year,” Brown said. “With commodity prices so low,” it can take a real toll on a person’s health — including both mental and physical health.

Helping farmers, as well as business people, to manage that stress is Brown’s goal.

“We provide a lot of programming and resources to agribusinesses and farmers to help manage that stress,” he said.

Events such as the Farm Progress Show, where farmers can gather with other farmers and hear similar concerns, can be a good step forward in easing the burden. But when farmers are surrounded by million-dollar equipment, such as that displayed at the show, that can also be another stressor.

Ag commodity prices are down by 25 percent this year over last year, making that equipment, let alone crop inputs, seem out of reach. At the same time, farm debt is climbing. Speakers at some of the events noted that farmers may borrow more in one year than most people do in the course of a lifetime. With those figures in mind, it’s easy to see that stress on the farm is great and growing.

Brown advises farm families to focus on taking care of themselves and each other, including neighbors. As harvest season approaches, it may be hard to slow down, but sometimes taking a break can be the fastest way to move forward safely.

“Really focus on self-care,” Brown said. “Be sure to get a good night’s sleep, if possible.”

Exercise and eating well can also help the body shed some of the anxiety as it builds up.

Working too many late nights in a row, skipping meals, or substituting quick-fixes for good food can work against stress management. Even at this busy time of year, Brown said it’s important to make time for activities that a person enjoys, whether it be a football game or a family dinner.

“Get out and do something other than farming,” Brown said. “Volunteer in your community, or whatever you enjoy.”

Extension is a partner with the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center. This 12-state group offers collaborative services across the region to provide training and professional services, telephone hotlines, support groups, and more.

Rural Iowans, in particular, often have fewer resources in their local areas. Reducing the stigma sometimes associated with mental health concerns is perhaps the first challenge, followed by making resources available to help.

Extension statistics paint a concerning picture for the ag community. Overall, 33 percent of adults in Iowa have reported signs of anxiety and depression. Couple that with the fact that suicide rates are higher for those in ag professions. Moreover, more than a million Iowans live in areas with few mental health professionals.

Brown offers Mental Health First Aid as a step to empower Iowans to combat the stress that can come with trying times. Programs and training are available to ag business staff, workplace employees, school and human service personnel, and others who support farmers and their families.

To learn more about Mental Health First Aid, contact Brown at dnbrown@iastate.edu.

Known for his quiet manner, Brown is humble about his role in caring for others.

“It’s all about service,” he said.

For those facing stressful times, the following resources are available and stand ready to listen.

∫ Iowa Concern Hotline, includes legal, financial and stress support: 800-447-1985

∫ Farm Aid Hotline: 800-FARM-AID (800-327-6243)

∫ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

∫ Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.