2025 House Resolution 228

Whereas, Michigan agriculture remains a backbone of the state’s economy and rural identity; and

Whereas, Individuals working in farming, forestry, and fishing in Michigan had a suicide rate of 84.5 per 100,000 workers in 2023, compared to the overall statewide suicide rate of 14.9 per 100,000 residents; and

Whereas, In 2023 alone, eleven people working in farming, forestry, or fishing died by suicide in Michigan; and

Whereas, Economic pressures are intense: in 2023 only 46% of Michigan’s 44,000 farms reported a net positive income; and

Whereas, Rural isolation, unpredictable weather, fluctuating commodity markets, high debt loads, and the burden of preserving generational farms contribute to chronic stress, depression, and mental-health crises among farmers; and

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), together with MSU Extension, previously funded a suicide-prevention and farm-stress support program that provided nearly 550 free therapy visits and reached over 10,000 individuals statewide through educational workshops and outreach; and

Whereas, That program — designed specifically for farmers and agricultural workers — was recently defunded in the state budget, removing a critical statewide source of counseling and mental-health services for a high-risk group; and

Whereas, Recognizing a dedicated awareness week would draw attention to the problem, reduce stigma, mobilize communities, and encourage legislative and agency action to restore mental health support for farm families; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 15–21, 2025, as Michigan Farmers Suicide Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.