Farm4Profit Podcast

Giving Farmers Tools to Save Lives: Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture

Episode Summary

In this important episode, we sit down with Sherie Jones of Steinbauer and Sarah Chingren of The RedShirt Foundation to have an honest conversation about mental health in agriculture and the real impact it’s having on families and communities.

Episode Notes

Sarah shares her powerful personal story and how it led to the creation of The RedShirt Foundation after losing her son Vincent in 2021. What started from tragedy has turned into a mission to ensure no family faces these struggles without support, tools, and hope.

We also dive into LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a globally recognized, evidence-based program that teaches everyday people how to step in, have difficult conversations, and help someone stay safe in critical moments.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why mental health can be harder to talk about in agriculture
• The “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mindset—when it helps and when it hurts
• Real warning signs that often go unnoticed
• What “suicide first aid” actually means
• How ASIST equips everyday people—not just professionals—to intervene
• The importance of building a “network of safety” in rural communities
• Why open conversations reduce stigma and strengthen farms and families

This episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action, tools, and creating stronger communities across agriculture.