Research indicates that the suicide rate is significantly higher for those working in agriculture. Research also shows that stress levels and suicide rates drop significantly when people receive support and helpful resources from those around them.

North Dakota State University Extension will address ways to extend support and helpful resources for stressed individuals in agriculture in the upcoming “Question. Persuade. Refer.” suicide prevention webinar, held May 28 at 1:30 p.m.

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

Just as CPR training helps community members respond with help in a physical health crisis, the QPR suicide prevention training focuses on equipping participants with knowledge to recognize signs of mental health stresses or suicidal thinking. The training is also aims to help participants learn simple, practical skills to respond with support and empathy. 

“A consistent message we want folks in farming to understand is that it’s OK to not be OK and that help is available,” says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. “Your health is your most important resource for daily well-being, and this training helps us put health first.”

Katie Henry and Jill Sokness, NDSU Extension agents for Cavalier and Cass counties, respectively, will facilitate the webinar.

Although the training will focus on people working in and around agriculture, anyone interested in the topic can register. The free training is supported by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants. Registration is available at ndsu.ag/QPR-May-2026.

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

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 12, 2026

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

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