In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Arzubi (Frontier Psychiatry) to talk about the mental health challenges facing rural agricultural producers—and what practical support and resources are available right now.

This conversation is especially relevant for crop insurance agents, FSA employees, lenders, and ag professionals who often hear the hard stuff first. We’re not trying to turn anyone into a therapist—this is about awareness, better language, and knowing where to point people when help is needed.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why rural producers often carry stress silently

• The “language of feelings” and why it matters

• Warning signs ag professionals may hear on the phone

• How to listen without trying to “fix it”

• When to ask direct questions and how to avoid shutting the conversation down

• Why you don’t have to wait for a “crisis” to reach out

• Mental health resources (including text and phone support)

• Beyond the Weather and how Frontier Psychiatry is helping Montana’s ag community

00:00 Intro

00:20 Opening Credits

00:56 Ad – Crop West Insurance Group

01:25 Dr. Eric Arzubi Introduction

05:20 What makes rural communities different?

09:18 Why do producers remain silent?

13:16 What can crop insurance agents do to help?

22:32 When is it more serious than just a conversation?

33:32 What is Beyond The Weather?

37:44 Mental health resources (741741 & 988)

39:03 Final thoughts

Resources & Help (Please Share)

Frontier Psychiatry (Beyond the Weather / Appointments):

Website: https://frontier.care Phone: (406) 200-8471

Crisis Text Line (U.S.) (you don’t have to be in a “crisis” to use it):

Text 741741 (text “HELLO” or “HELP”)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) (call or text):

Dial 988

If you’re outside the U.S., please use your local emergency number or local crisis resources.

Disclaimer This episode is for education and awareness only and is not medical advice. If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call emergency services right away.

If you work in agriculture…

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