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Farmers are disproportionally affected by depression and suicide. Social connectedness has been shown to reduce depression and suicide among the general population but its impact on farmers is less well-known. Our previous research indicated that farmers who had cooperative resources and social support reported decreased symptoms of depression. However, it was unclear whether farmers who were not cooperative members or utilized resources from non-cooperative organizations differed from cooperative farmers in mental health. A survey consisted of online self-completion and phone interviews was conducted among 307 participants (197 co-op, 110 non-co-op) to examine whether Midwest (north central United States) cooperative and non-cooperative farmers differ in perceived stress and symptoms of depression and whether potential differences were impacted by program use, program satisfaction, and social support. Cooperative farmers reported lower perceived stress and symptoms of depression than non-cooperative farmers and the difference was statistically significant for perceived stress. Use of educational programs, such as training and mentorship, was associated with decreased perceived stress but not symptoms of depression. Satisfaction with programs and social support were associated with decreased perceived stress and symptoms of depression. Program satisfaction was observed to have more associations with decreased perceived stress and symptoms of depression than program use. Results reveal that organizational resources and social support can mitigate mental health risks among farmers. This study highlighted an opportunity for future investigation of social connectedness in addressing farmers' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural cooperatives are formed to promote farmers' economic, social, and legislative interests. Their role in influencing mental health is less known. We characterized farmers' experiences with cooperatives and identified the potential impact of cooperatives in promoting mental health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Wisconsin with 12 participants, including farmers, cooperative professionals, and agricultural extension educators. Participants were asked about stress among farmers; cooperative structures and services provided to farmers, and farmers' interactions with the cooperatives; and the role cooperatives play in reducing stress among farmers. Three main themes were developed: stress farmers were experiencing, available resources from cooperatives, and the role of cooperatives in promoting farmers' mental health. Stress farmers were experiencing was elucidated through the subthemes: increased stress, depression, and suicide and stressors involving finances, occupational pressure, relationships, isolation, and loneliness. Available resources from cooperatives were described in subthemes: cooperative characteristics, services, and engagement activities. The role of cooperatives in promoting farmers' mental health was discussed through subthemes: responder, community, facilitator, and divergent views on whether co-ops can protect farmers' mental health. Cooperatives provide members market stability, services, and opportunities for decision-making, social interaction, and civic engagement. These resources create a community where farmers feel a sense of belonging and retain a level of control. As rural communities continue to struggle with mental health resource shortages, identifying and evaluating community-based resources such as those offered by the cooperatives is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]