The issue of farm stress got a hearing before the Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Committee Thursday. Minnesota Department of Agriculture senior advisor Meg Moynihan referenced low commodity prices, health insurance costs and weather as stressors. “We are hearing from more farmers, farm advocates, Extension educators and lenders who are worried about the impact on farmers, farm families and the entire rural economy.” Hallock, Minnesota farmer Theresia Gillie shared her personal story. “I was in partnership with my husband until April 1 of 2017 and on that day, my husband killed himself.” Gillie has talked with numerous farm families who are dealing with farm stress. “I feel it is my responsibility that to make sure this doesn’t happen to anybody else. It has been almost a year-and-ten-months for me and it is a struggle every day, but every day I’ve gotten up and gotten something accomplished.”
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