Ranch Organization Establishes Online Support Meeting

A cattle organization is extending their support for family ranchers to their mental health.  Earlier this month, Ranchers and Cattlemen Action Legal Fund or R-CALF launched a virtual support group called “No Rancher Left Behind”.  It’s the brainchild of Harrison County cattle producer Coy Young.

Young says he had contemplated suicide in 2020 as cash cattle prices stalled while the price at the meat counter continued to increase.  An article featuring Young was published late last year in The New York Times, leading to his appearance before the House Ag Committee last month.  Young says the opportunity has encouraged him to reach out to other ranchers.

The “No Rancher Left Behind” support group meets Wednesday evenings at 8 via Zoom.  Young notes that the support group is intended to provide a judgment-free zone for ranchers and does not provide psychiatric or other mental health guidance.  Details and resources are available on the R-CALF website.

If you are experiencing crisis or other mental distress, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, either by calling 1-800-273-TALK, texting “HOME” to 741741, or visiting the lifeline’s website.