McLean County Farm Bureau

SENATOR, SIU ‘TRYING TO FIND A WAY’ TO SUPPORT STRESSED FARMERS

State Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign, has been researching programs that could help assist farmers with managing their mental health. “I keep talking to local farmers,” he said. “The prices, tariffs and then the rain. As family farmers dwindle, what can we do to help the guys who are squeezed? We’re trying to find a way.” Help may surface in a new effort at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Center for Rural Health. Bennett, who has farm roots, secured $100,000 in the new state budget to provide mental health services and support to farmers. Currently, Bennett’s idea is still in its infancy. (FarmWeekNow)