Ag Producer Suicide Rates increasing

(Bismarck, ND) -- Suicide rates among agriculture producers are increasing.

A CDC study shows suicide rates have risen the fastest and are the highest in rural areas because of agriculture producer depression.

State Department of Agriculture officials here in North Dakota say the emotional effects of flooding, crop disease, and environmental factors among farmers and ranchers often go unaddressed.

North Dakota ranks 14th highest for suicide rates, with ag producers making up the majority of cases.