Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Denounces Sudden Loss of Mental Health Program Funding for Farmers and Ranchers

Media Contact:
LeeAnne Sanders
Director of RMFU
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
le*************@**fu.org| (303) 752-5800
www.rmfu.org

DENVER, CO — The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) is denouncing the abrupt suspension of funding for its AgWell program, a trusted initiative that supports the mental health and overall well-being of farmers and ranchers across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The funding, provided through the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP), was frozen effective immediately as of yesterday.

AgWell addresses the mental health crisis in agriculture by offering stress management tools, peer support, and community programs for producers facing unique and compounding challenges. Currently in its 4^th year of execution, the sudden mid-contract freeze places planned and promoted programming at risk, removing funding to tackle agricultural stress at moment of tumult in the agricultural sector.

“Farming and ranching come with stress most people can’t imagine—unpredictable markets, fires, drought, and more,” said RMFU President Chad Franke. “We’ve been proud to offer AgWell as a source of support in uncertain times. Losing this funding without notice puts us in a tough position, but we’re committed to following through on our promises to producers—even if that means sacrificing other parts of our budget.”

RMFU is actively working to shift internal resources to sustain current services while exploring options to continue expanding AgWell, reaffirming its commitment to standing by the region’s farm and ranch families during a time of increased uncertainty and need.

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About Rocky Mountain Farmers Union:

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union is a grassroots family farm and ranch organization that supports members through legislation, cooperation, and education. Covering a three-state region serving Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico, RMFU has been representing family farms and ranches at both the state and national levels for over 100 years.