Giving back is a tradition for the Nicollet-Sibley County Corn & Soybean Growers. The farmer-led board demonstrated helping its ongoing commitment to the community by donating checkoff dollars in April 2026 to 2B CONTINUED, a local mental health awareness nonprofit.   

“Rural communities are the backbone of the food systems, yet mental health challenges often go unseen,” said Kelsey Henke, Nicollet-Sibley County Corn and Soybean Growers secretary. “Our donation to this organization is an investment in our community’s well-being and growing an open conversation that you are never alone.” 

With a mission of increasing awareness of suicide prevention, mental health and wellness through advocacy, education and outreach, 2B CONTINUED is making a difference in the local communities. By serving Brown, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley and Wright counties, 2B CONTINUED continues growing each year in their outreach efforts.  

“At 2B CONTINUED, we focus on increasing awareness of mental health and suicide prevention through education, outreach and community partnerships,” 2B CONTINUED Grant Coordinator & Marketing Assistant Kate Curtis said. “Support from the Nicollet-Sibley Corn and Soybean Growers helps us bring that work into rural communities where access can be limited. We’re grateful to be building awareness together.”  

According to the National Rural Health Association, the suicide rates among U.S. farmers is 3.5 times higher than the national average, with farmers making up just under 2% of the population.  

This donation will help invest in programs like SafeTALK for Ag. This training is for participants to recognize signs for someone struggling and leaving with the ability and confidence to start that conversation with someone.  

“The goal is to make these conversations more approachable and reduce stigma in agricultural communities,” Curtis said.  

As many organizations are working to lower the mental health and suicide rates among the farming community, standout organizations like 2B CONTINUED go above and beyond in offering programs for all walks of life. The Nicollet-Sibley County Corn and Soybean Growers are committed to helping this goal be successful.  

Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline 

Phone: 833-600-2670
Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211
Email: farmstress@state.mn.us 

About the Nicollet-Sibley County Soybean & Corn Growers Association 

The Nicollet-Sibley County Soybean & Corn Growers Association is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of approximately 26,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.