Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) have expanded their mental health support program for farmers, adding two new counselors to assist agricultural workers across the state. This development follows the retirement of Ted Matthews, who had served Minnesota’s farming community as a counselor for more than three decades.

The counseling program is funded by an appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature to R5DC. It provides free and confidential mental health services to farmers, farm families, employees, agricultural workers, and advisors throughout Minnesota.

“Farmers are tough, but it’s not an easy profession,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “From unpredictable weather to rising input costs, farmers face an enormous amount of stress. Sometimes, just a few conversations with someone who understands can really help.”

The current team now includes Monica McConkey—who has held her position since 2019—alongside newcomers Tracie Rutherford-Self and Jennifer Vaughn. All three counselors have experience addressing the unique pressures that come with agricultural work and rural life. They offer flexible appointment options statewide through phone calls, Zoom meetings, or in-person sessions.

Jennifer Vaughn will serve Northern Minnesota as a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience supporting rural youth and adults from varied backgrounds. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among other challenges.

Tracie Rutherford-Self will cover Southern Minnesota as a licensed professional counselor focusing on trauma care, stress management, and suicide prevention within farming communities. She brings several years of counseling and educational expertise related to mental health in rural areas.

Monica McConkey serves Western Minnesota and grew up on a farm herself. Her background gives her insight into the specific stressors facing those working in agriculture today. She works with adults, youth, and entire farm families to help them manage daily pressures associated with farming life.

“In rural communities, stress and isolation can take a heavy toll,” said R5DC Executive Director Cheryal Hills. “Bringing Jenifer and Tracie on board with Monica helps R5DC continue its commitment to supporting farm families and agricultural professionals.”

Counseling services are offered at no cost for as long as needed. The providers focus on helping individuals develop strategies for managing stress while offering flexibility regarding how sessions are conducted. In addition to one-on-one counseling support, they also lead educational programs and workshops aimed at improving mental well-being within agricultural settings.

Farmers attending this year’s Farmfest event—which runs from August 5 through August 7 at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls—will have access to farm stress resources each day at both the MDA Tent (#517S) and Farm Safety Pavilion. On Wednesday August 6th Tracie Rutherford-Self will be available onsite to meet visitors directly; attendees can pick up free gun locks along with printed informational materials about mental health resources.

For ongoing assistance beyond Farmfest or if immediate support is required anyone can contact the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or visit minnesotafarmstress.com for round-the-clock access to resources.