Less than a year after receiving a $2.35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA), the Southern Region Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN South) is making significant strides in strengthening support systems for farmers, ranchers and agricultural communities across the South.
Led by faculty and Extension specialists from NC State Extension and the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, FRSAN South was established to enhance regional collaboration, increase access to resources and improve the capacity of organizations addressing farm stress and mental health challenges. The network serves 13 Southern states and two U.S. territories through a hub-and-spoke model that connects partners, resources and expertise.
Since launching, the project has focused on building the civic infrastructure needed to support a sustainable and impactful regional network.
Building the Network
One of the network’s first accomplishments was establishing a fully staffed hub team, including a project manager, communications coordinator, operations coordinator and evaluation specialist. This dedicated team has created the operational capacity necessary to coordinate activities, support partners and advance the network’s goals across the region.
FRSAN South has also prioritized relationship-building and outreach. Team members have conducted more than 60 hours of targeted outreach and established regular communication with 51 individuals representing 44 organizations across all 15 participating states and territories.
To foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the network launched monthly partner meetings that bring together organizations working to support agricultural well-being. Three meetings have been held to date, with participation ranging from 17 to 23 attendees and strong engagement from partners. Each meeting features opportunities for partners to share programs, successes and emerging needs.
“This initiative is exciting because it builds the capacity of states and territories across the South to serve as the face of Farm Stress Assistance for their farmers,” says Susan Jakes, associate state program leader for community and rural development with NC State Extension and project director for FRSAN South. “It is cultivating a strong network of leaders while equipping them with several key resources to support this critical work.”
Expanding Connections and Resources
The network has expanded its communications efforts to increase awareness and strengthen connections among partners. FRSAN South recently launched its website and Facebook page, creating new avenues for sharing resources, success stories and upcoming opportunities.
In addition, a contract has been signed to provide a 24 hr staffed Concern hotline for farmers and farm households in the Southern Region (the number 833-381-7243)
In-person outreach has also played an important role in the project’s early success. FRSAN South representatives connected with professionals and stakeholders through events such as the National Health Outreach Conference, where the team shared information about the network and explored opportunities for collaboration.
Partner engagement remains a cornerstone of the initiative. Through rotating partner presentations during monthly meetings, monthly newsletters and a dedicated online submission form for success stories, FRSAN South is elevating the work being conducted across the region and encouraging greater collaboration among organizations serving agricultural communities.
Investing in the Future of Farm Stress Support
To further expand farm stress programming, the network recently awarded five subgrants to partner organizations. These investments will help support innovative projects, strengthen local capacity and extend the reach of farm stress assistance efforts throughout the Southern region.
The project continues to build on the vision outlined when the grant was awarded: creating a coordinated regional network that strengthens local leadership, connects partners to resources and improves support for agricultural producers and their families.
As FRSAN South enters its next phase, leaders remain focused on fostering collaboration, sharing resources and supporting the long-term resilience of agricultural communities throughout the South.
For more information about FRSAN South, visit frsansouth.org or call the Farm Stress Concern Line at 833-381-7243.
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