988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline<\/a> is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States.<\/p>\n\u201cFarmers face everyday challenges that can take a toll on mental well-being,\u201d James Sutton, Sumter County Farm Bureau president, said when the partnership was launched. \u201cExtreme weather events, financial uncertainty, unstable markets and labor shortages are just some of the stressors farmers and ranchers face. By incorporating mental health awareness into the everyday environment of farms, we hope to build a culture where everyone will recognize that it\u2019s ok not to be ok and to ask for help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tommie Peebles III, site manager of Everglades Equipment Group in Leesburg, Florida, said his company was honored to partner with Farm Bureau to address mental health in the agricultural community.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy leveraging the visibility of John Deere tractors, we have an opportunity to reach farmers statewide and ensure they know where to turn for help. If we can save one person, it\u2019s a success,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n