Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of the upcoming Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. Two sessions are scheduled: Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Feb. 23 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The 90-minute webinars will address concerns of high stress levels in agriculture-related jobs and the toll they take on mental and emotional well-being.

Research indicates the suicide rate is significantly higher for those working in agriculture. The QPR training will provide participants with skills to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicidal thinking and to respond in an appropriate and supportive way.

“Ongoing farm and ranch stress takes a toll on health, including mental and emotional well-being,” says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. “We say, ‘Sometimes you need help, and sometimes you are help.’”

NDSU Extension agents, Katie Henry (Cavalier County) and Jill Sokness (Cass County), and Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension pesticide specialist, will facilitate the webinars.

Although the training will focus on people working in and around agriculture, anyone interested in the topic can register. There is no cost for the training, which is supported by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants per webinar. Register at ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Jan2026 for the January session and ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Feb2026 for the February session.

For additional information, contact Adriana Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 13, 2025

Source: Adriana Drusini, 701-231-1856, adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu