The Colorado Department of Agriculture is offering a crisis hotline for farmers facing emotional crisis because of financial strains.
As Colorado Public Radio reports, Colorado's wheat and corn farmers, like those across the High Plains, are struggling as global competition forces prices down below their production costs.
Ag Commissioner Don Brown says he got the idea for the special hotline service after talking with troubled friends in Yuma, where his family has a farm.
On the CDA’s website, Brown writes, “When a farmer and rancher is facing a financial crisis, it can create an emotional toll on every aspect of life … The agricultural community has always come together to help our neighbors in a time of need and that is what this effort is all about: pulling together to help others.”
Brown says staff members at the Colorado Crisis Center hotline will be trained specifically about farming and ranching, so that they are better equipped to counsel those who call the crisis line number.
The crisis line phone number is 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255.