America’s farmers are dying. But it’s not just because they’re aging. In 1978 the average age of the American farmer was 50, today it’s around 58. But there’s another even more troubling issue facing those who grow our food - farmers taking their own lives.
According to a new cover story in Newsweek, American male farmers have a suicide rate that is just under twice that of the general population. The issue also extends to other countries, from France to India. So why are farmers taking their own lives? And what is being done to address this problem and get help to those who need it? We spoke with Max Kutner, the author of Death on the Farm to learn more about his reporting and the issue of mental health in America's agricultural communities.
