Farmers face a higher risk of suicide. The Texas Agriculture Department wants $500,000 a year to change that.

Grant Heinrich, location manager for Pro-Agri Spraying, outside his office in Slaton on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2022. (Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune)

For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s free help line at 800-662-4357. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

SLATON — Grant Heinrich was working in the office on his family’s farm when he got a text message from one of his closest friends and farm hands.