About Us
At the end of the day, agriculture isn’t just an industry—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re tending to livestock, managing thousands of acres, or carrying on a multi-generational family legacy, we know that your work is the backbone of everything.
FRSAN-South is committed to the well-being of our farming and ranching communities and supporting agricultural resilience. We are dedicated to strengthening our regional support systems by bridging gaps and fostering connection. Our focus is on strengthening community relationships and cultivating strategic partnerships while optimizing resource sharing and elevating our partners for continued growth and long-term success.
Our Priorities
Establish and enhance our regional network
Develop a clearinghouse of resources
Provide services for farmers, ranchers, and their families
Our Why
The southern region encompasses approximately 1.35 million farm operators, about 26% of whom are new farmers, and roughly 93% of farms are family-owned. These farmers and agricultural workers face a range of stressors that threaten their mental health, economic stability, and overall well-being. Extreme weather events – including hurricanes, flooding, and prolonged droughts – are disproportionately concentrated in this region, causing significant crop and infrastructure losses. These disasters, coupled with volatile commodity prices, rising input costs, and labor shortages, create a state of chronic “farm stress”.
Research shows the strong link between chronic stressors and negative health outcomes, both mental and physical. Most alarmingly, studies document the heightened risk of suicide among farmers as an occupational group. While some farmers utilize positive coping mechanisms like community events and exercise, others resort to isolation or substance abuse. Many southern states have mental health professional shortages and deep-seated stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help.
FRSAN South is uniquely positioned to address these critical needs through a coordinated, multi-state approach, leveraging partnerships between universities, extension programs, and farmer-led non-governmental organizations.