Advanced Praise
for On the Farm
ESSENTIAL TOUCHSTONES - JACKSON, MS
Alyssa Killebrew, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
"I am so impressed with the quality of the video. Very moving for the mental health disparity for African Americans who struggle with mental health issues."
AG BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - HARLAN, IA
Michael Rosmann, PhD, Psychologist
"The film will appeal to farmers of all types, especially in the South where the film subjects reside. I like that they included a corn and soybean farmer who breaks the racial stereotype of who raises crops on a large scale."
UMMC, DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE - JACKSON, MS
Joshua Mann, MD, MPH
"Kudos to MSU Films for a beautifully made documentary, highlighting the experiences of a vital, but frequently overlooked segment of our society - our farmers. We cant have a healthy population without healthy farmers, and as the film demonstrates, farm families face challenges to their health and well-being that call for a response from policy makers, public health and mental health leaders, health care systems, and academic institutions."
SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY - GAINESVILLE, FL
Ashley McLeod-Morin, PhD
“This film embodies the tenacity of American farmers while also sharing about the struggles these farmers face. I believe this is an important message that needs to be shared as we all work together to fight mental health challenges, particularly those challenges that are often unique to rural communities.”
RESILIENT LIFE COUNSELING LLC - JACKSON, MS
William Sansing PhD, LPC-S
"As someone who has experienced the love, success, mental stress, and failure in agriculture, these stories capture the unique joys of, complex pressures in, and deep commitment necessary to continue farming. Often these pressures grow so slowly, so people do not reach out for help until needs have compounded. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with farmers and others in agricultural communities to address emotional health and addiction treatment needs. I am thankful that the willingness to ask for help has increased and stigmas have decreased. I encourage anyone struggling with mental or emotional health, or addiction to let someone know. There is help available and supportive communities that will support you through recovery."
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER (UMMC) - JACKSON, MS
Loretta Jackson-Williams, MD, PhD, FACEP
"I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the film. It provides those personal stories that connect our challenges, fears, and joys of our rural communities."
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION/ECOP - WASHINGTON, D.C.
Roger Rennekamp, PhD
"The film provides viewers with candid insight into how a complex array of factors are challenging the sustainability of family farms, and perhaps more importantly, the lives and livelihoods of those associated with them. Coping with these factors can cause a level of toxic stress that, unless managed appropriately, can produce tragic results including substance us disorders and even suicide. Thankfully, help is available through a myriad of resources aimed at helping farmers effectively cope."
MISSISSIPPI RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION - HATTIESBURG, MS
Ryan Kelly, MS
“On the Farm is a fantastic documentary that details the lives of Mississippi farmers and the everyday struggles that they face while producing the food and products that our citizens use on a daily basis. This industry often feels isolated and tremendous amount of pressure to succeed, and this is well illustrated from the point of view of the farmers themselves in this series. Our rural hospitals and clinics see the struggles that our farmers face each day, and they know that these farmers need additional tools and resources to help them through the physical and mental struggles that they face. I encourage everyone to view this documentary, consider the real-world challenges that our farmers face on a daily basis, and find ways for us to better serve their needs.”
TECHTRON SYSTEMS -DACULA, GA
T.J. Bradford, PhD
"Real. Raw. Relevant. These are all words that come to mind after watching this film. Not only does this film shine light on the real issues that farmers face, but provides an intricate look at how agricultural producers have to make extraordinary decisions in the face of seemingly uncertain external factors. This film gives a face to the sometimes forgotten voice in society: the farmer."
AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION - WASHINGTON D.C.
Kaye Bender, PhD, RN, FAAN, Past President of the American Public Health Association
"With over two million farmers in our country, public health professionals can use this excellent film to educate themselves about farmers' issues and stress levels. The pandemic emphasized for us just how important our farmers are to the health and well-being of our country. Being able to better partner with them in all aspects of public health, including mental health, is an attribute that we should strive to achieve. I applaud Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service for their commitment to our farmers and their families, and I encourage my public health colleagues to view the film and use the discussion guide to bring these issues to the forefront."
STARKVILLE COUNSELING ASSOCIATES - STARKVILLE, MS
Daniel Russell MS, LPC, NCC
"Having observed and listened to family members who have farmed (not as a hobby, but as either primary or supplemental income), I feel like this video provides the needed context to more fully understand the immense complexity of this profession and calling, the stressors and struggles they endure from both the outside world and their internal world. It calls those of us who benefit from their work to have greater compassion for their sacrifices and needs."