Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of two upcoming Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. The 90-minute webinars will address concerns about high stress levels in agriculture-related jobs and the toll on mental and emotional well-being. The sessions will be offered on March 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and May 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

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

The webinars will be facilitated by NDSU Extension agents Katie Henry from Cavalier County and Jill Sokness from Cass County as well as Extension pesticide specialist Madeleine Smith.

Though the webinars are focused on people working in and around agriculture, anyone interested can register. There is no cost for the training, which is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants per webinar. To learn more or to register for the March training, visit ndsu.ag/qprmarch25. To register for the May training, visit ndsu.ag/qprmay25.

If you have questions or want additional information, contact Adriana Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 19, 2025

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

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