A Silent Truth Hidden in the Farm Economy: Farmer Suicides Are on the Rise

With 259 farm bankruptcies filed between April 2024 and March 2025, it’s clear the financial stress on farms is only growing more severe this year. But there’s been another troubling trend happening in the midst of the downturn.

By Tyne Morgan
Updated August 05, 2025 09:49 AM

Signs of stress in the farm economy are everywhere you turn, and with corn futures hitting fresh lows again this week, crumbling commodity prices are painting a dreary outlook for 2025, and the financial pressures are causing another bleak reality: farmer suicides are also on the rise.

In 2024, used equipment prices were plummeting at auction, with values of larger horsepower tractors dropping more than 20%. As used equipment flooded the auction market, Alex Kerr, owner of Kerr Auction and Kerr Equipment, noticed another troubling trend.

“This is really odd for me,” Kerr said in a video he posted to social media last year. “Three tractors up here that I bought on auction, and I’m not going to tell you which ones, but they came off of suicide — the reason is that the farmers are no longer here. It’s the reason I’ve got the tractors.”
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https://www.agweb.com/news/business/health/silent-truth-hidden-farm-economy-farmer-suicides-are-rise

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

By Cheyenne Kramer
Updated February 22, 2024 04:28PM

Working in agriculture isn’t easy, and factors such as commodity prices, weather and family dynamics often weigh heavily on those involved.

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared to recognize warning signs and effectively communicate in a mental health crisis. PennState Extension shares several tips to help.

What To Look For
Some of the ways increased stress presents itself is through physical changes such as headaches or frequent illness, loss of the person’s sense of humor, change in routine, isolation or the feeling that they can’t do anything right.
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Phrases To Help Convey Empathy:
• I know of several farms in similar situations.
• Every situation is a little different. Help me understand better.
• I don’t know what to say, but I’m so glad you told me.
• I can see this situation is hard for you. What changes would you like to see?
• I’m eager to help. What are some things I could do for you?
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https://www.agweb.com/news/business/health/your-mental-health-toolbox-how-recognize-warning-signs