A new Farm & Rural Helpline, funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, is available to Minnesota farmers and rural residents.

The helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The toll free number is 833-600-2670.

MDA commissioner Dave Frederickson shared the number in an exclusive column for The Farmer magazine Sept. 18, "Suffering the stress of farming in silence can take a toll."

Farmers and rural communities face unique stresses and emotional situations, including financial challenges, unpredictable weather, physically demanding work and more. As stress, anxiety and depression continue to impact the lives of farmers and rural Minnesotans, the MDA recognizes the need for ongoing support.

“I farmed for 24 years [during the 1980s], so I’m no stranger to the stress and worry that can be part of farming,” Frederickson says. “I know that sometimes it helps to talk to someone about problems that can seem insurmountable. There is always help available around the corner.”

The Farm & Rural Helpline can connect callers to financial assistance programs, health and mental health services, legal help and more.

Calls are confidential. However, counselors may ask for a first name and phone number in case of a dropped call. Translation services also are available, with translators available in many languages.

The helpline also is available to those unsure of what to do about family or friends who may be experiencing anxiety, depression or a mental health crisis.

Read Frederickson’s Sept. 18 column, "Suffering the stress of farming in silence can take a toll."

A story on farming and mental health also appeared Sept. 21 that week on The Farmer’s website,  "Farm stress challenges mental health."

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture contributed to this story.