Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers
Apr 13, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending its regulations to implement changes related to income calculation and net family assets for properties that receive funding from the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. This rule is effective April 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 12, 2026 - Describes psychiatry workforce shortages in Iowa where agriculture is a significant industry and farmers are in need of mental healthcare. Discusses expansion of a psychiatry residency program with a rural practice focus in hopes of retaining more workforce.
Source: KCRG
Apr 10, 2026 - Announces updates to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's National Emphasis Program - Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, guidance that protects outdoor and indoor workers from heat stress in 55 high-risk industries including agriculture. Updates include an evaluation of employer heat programs.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Mar 25, 2026 - Announces bipartisan legislation to improve access to mental health and addiction services for farmers and ranchers in rural communities.
Source: Office of Representative Derrick Van Orden
Mar 24, 2026 - A new proposed California bill would create a program to provide menstrual products to female farmworkers in rural communities with high poverty rates. Discusses the lack of access to stores with hygiene products in rural areas.
Source: Imperial Valley Press
Mar 13, 2026 - Profiles a rural Minnesota farmer, discussing his career in healthcare research at the Mayo Clinic. Describes the work he did integrating rural and farming culture into the work and knowledge base of Mayo Clinic researchers and medical students. Highlights Farm Days, a event on his farm to educate Mayo Clinic researchers about health and safety hazards in farm work.
Source: MPR News
Feb 17, 2026 - Discusses the need for and lack of mental healthcare in farming communities with a close look at Texas and Oklahoma. Identifies occupational contributors to stress and rural-specific barriers in accessing care.
Source: Southwest Farm Press