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MO ag helpline launch coming at important time

The state ag director says the Missouri Ag Department’s new AgriStress helpline was launched at an important time for farmers and ranchers.

Chris Chinn tells Brownfield record input costs, drought in the southern two-thirds of the state, and flooding in eastern Missouri have been devastating for farmers.

“But it’s in those moments, that our farmers and ranchers, they’re resilient; they find a way to persevere, they find a way to make things work – and that’s why we’re so proud of them,” Chinn said. “We know that it’s hard though, and we want to make sure that if they need help, they’re not afraid to reach out and ask for it.”

She said that’s why the Missouri Department of Ag launched the AgriStress helpline.

Chinn says the free and confidential helpline offers health professionals who understand agriculture.

“When you tell somebody that you’re really worried about a levee breaking, if they don’t understand what a levee is or what the value of that levee is, it’s really hard for them to understand the challenge that you’re dealing with,” Chinn said.  

She said the helpline is open to anyone. The AgriStress line can be called or texted at 833-897-2474.

Brownfield interviewed Chinn at the Missouri State Fair on Friday.

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