Argument Proposal
Kaylen Taylor
Professor Hammett
English 1302
Essay 1 Argument Proposal
14 March 2024
Word Count: 1,022
Suicide in the American Agricultural Industry
The agricultural industry has the sixth highest suicide rate of any other occupation (Williams). Farmers and their families live a lifestyle different from those in cities and urbanized areas. They face a plethora of new challenges and have less access to the conveniences people find common today. The complex factors contributing to this tragic reality require further exploration and understanding to address and prevent these devastating occurrences. The mental health of farmers has been overlooked for some time. Now, it has been brought to the attention of investigators and those in the agriculture industry alike. With researchers combined focus on financial stressors, natural effects of farming, and physical health issues, it has become prevalent that there is a significantly higher risk of suicide in the agricultural field. There are solutions to solving this epidemic, providing mental health services, limiting stress factors, bettering education, or leaving the industry altogether are the most successful options.
First, providing mental health care will lower the risk of suicide in farmers. By teaching them coping mechanisms and how to know the signs of someone else struggling mentally, farmers can know when to find help for themselves and others. “...previous research indicates that mental illness is an important risk factor for suicide. State-level suicide rates have also been found to be correlated with general mental health measures such as depression. Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey indicate that relatively few people in the U.S. with mental health disorders receive treatment for those conditions” (Stone 19). While this is one of the simplest solutions, those in the agricultural community aren’t well-versed in talking to strangers about their problems. Making access to therapy easy and affordable is an efficient form of treatment that isn’t readily available for farmers in rural areas or those without abundant resources. Instead, information should be available to the public about how to help family members and friends who are struggling mentally. Most in the agriculture industry live with stress factors that deeply affect their mental health where therapy isn’t enough.
Second, limiting factors of stress can prevent farmers from feeling hopeless. Stress for ranchers can range from struggling to make payments on equipment, losing land for crops and animals to industrial causes, and suffering from physical injuries that will leave them unable to care for their business or family. “Farmers internalize their struggles, feel hopeless, and believe they deserve the negative outcome, which influences self-esteem and leads to shame” (Williams 8). The agricultural industry is not for those who wish to make money. When farmers make barely enough to survive they can’t afford to stop working. It will quickly put them in debt and add to the stress on farmers financially. Those in other industries may have conflicts that every job is stressful. Every job is different from the agriculture industry because, unlike other jobs, farming is a lifestyle. When farmers fail they fail thousands of people who depend on them for the resources they raise or grow. The agriculture occupation is essential for the country to be self-dependent. Without its farmers, Americans are at the mercy of other countries to deliver food. If farmers can make more informed choices when it comes to financial decisions they can reduce the amount of stress they undergo drastically. Not all stress factors can be helped but reducing them can reduce pressure on those who work hard every day to feed their families and the country.
Third, if farmers are at high risk of suicide even with the limitations on stress and mental help, then leaving the occupation altogether is the best way to ensure their safety and quality of life. This is not a thoroughly discussed topic among researchers and those in the agriculture industry. “...farmers found their sense of environmental responsibility, pride in their work, and their job satisfaction were protective factors for their mental health” (Reed). When these factors are not present a farmer loses sense of purpose. Farmers are notoriously stubborn. It is unlikely any person in the industry can or will leave their jobs, holding onto hope that they can repair their livelihood that they have dedicated their life to.
Lastly, the best solution to helping those in the agricultural field is to go back to the source. Education is the key for young people who want to join the workforce as a farmer or rancher. Most farmers are born into their occupation and remain with it for the majority of their lives. “About 96% of U.S. farms are owned and operated as family farm enterprises” (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019). Knowing the risks before joining this occupation can better prepare young adults for joining the workforce. They have grown up surrounded by the difficulties of ranching and understand the hardships they will face. Education to bear these hardships will make future farmers stronger. Specially designed education in public schools that educate students on making smart financial decisions can reduce stress in the future for young farmers. These skills and good habits can be passed on to future children and an established healthy profession in farming is possible. Making access to this education affordable is the most efficient and long-term solution to reduce suicide in agriculture.
In conclusion, addressing mental health issues, making informed decisions to limit stress, and educating future farmers are crucial steps in preventing suicide within the agriculture industry. There has been an alarming increase in suicide rates among those working in agriculture, shining a light on this pressing issue that requires attention and action. These solutions can help create a supportive environment for farmers and workers, ultimately reducing the risk of suicide. Leaving the occupation is an extreme route that should only be considered if the person is at severe risk of suicide. “Based on 2018 data, it was estimated that one person dies by suicide every 10.9 minutes, and one attempt (no fatal outcome) occurs every 26 seconds” (Williams 4). Suicide can never be completely eradicated, but with more resources to prevent temptation, farmers can take steps to improve their mental health and be content with their occupation.
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Works Cited
Reed DB, Claunch DT. Risk for Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Among U.S. Primary
Farmers and Family Members: A Systematic Literature Review. Workplace Health &
Safety. 2020;68(5):236-248. doi:10.1177/2165079919888940
Stone, Deborah M. et al. "Preventing suicide: a technical package of policies, programs, and
practice", 2017. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/44275
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019). 2017 census of agriculture data now available (Press
release No. 0051.19).
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/04/11/2017-census-agriculture-data- nowavailable
Williams, Adriana Murillo, et al. “Why We Need to Keep Talking about Farm Stress.” Penn State Extension, 6 June 2023, extension.psu.edu/why-we-need-to-keep-talking-about- farm-stress#:~:text=In%20a%20 closer%20examination%20 of,rate%20among%20
occupational%20 groups%20(6.