Revisiting a local project aimed at highlighting mental health resources for farmers.
The “Mercer County Farmer Dudoir Calendar” features local farmers and is raising money for the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI), which provides mental health services to farm families in the state. The term “Dudoir,” a play on the word boudoir, exposes local farmers in a lighthearted way while shining a spotlight on an urgent issue.
A 2024 study of Illinois farmers found that 34% experience at least mild anxiety and 26% experience at least mild depression—far above national averages. CDC data from 2021 show men in farming, fishing, and forestry had a suicide rate of 49.9 per 100,000 — about 50% higher than the overall working‑age male rate of 32.0 per 100,000.
The idea came from project coordinator Cala Elliott and photographer Emily Freymann.
Elliott spoke to WRMJ earlier this month about promoting mental health resources for people in agriculture.
https://wrmj.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DUDOIR.mp3
The 2026 calendars are available online at freymannphotographyanddesign.com.
