Apex Ag Solutions Launches Mental Health Resource for Arkansas Farmers

New nonprofit Tailgate Time offers free counseling and support services to local agricultural community

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Apex Ag Solutions, a leading agricultural services provider in Northeast Arkansas, has launched a new nonprofit called Tailgate Time that offers free mental health counseling and support services to local farmers and their families. The initiative aims to address the high rates of farm bankruptcies and suicide in the agricultural industry by providing confidential, stigma-free access to licensed therapists and other mental health resources.

Why it matters

Farmers in Northeast Arkansas face immense pressures from extreme weather, market volatility, and other challenges that can take a significant toll on their mental health. However, the social stigma around seeking help has been a major barrier. Tailgate Time seeks to destigmatize mental health support and make it more accessible to the agricultural community in the region.

The details

Tailgate Time offers free in-person and telehealth counseling sessions with licensed mental health professionals. The services are available to all farmers, farm family members, and agricultural business employees in the region, with insurance billing options for those with health benefits. The organization has also established a new 7,500-square-foot facility that includes private offices to accommodate the counseling services. In addition to one-on-one support, Tailgate Time plans to host workshops to train volunteers in providing mental health assistance to local farmers.

  • Apex Ag Solutions acquired the 7.5-acre property that now houses Tailgate Time's new facility in the fall of 2025.
  • Tailgate Time officially launched its mental health services in March 2026.

The players

Apex Ag Solutions

A leading agricultural services provider in Northeast Arkansas that founded the Tailgate Time nonprofit.

Tailgate Time

A new nonprofit organization that provides free mental health counseling and support services to farmers and agricultural workers in Northeast Arkansas.

Mandy Young

The Agricultural Mental Health Outreach Training Director for Tailgate Time, who is a licensed clinical social worker and native of Northeast Arkansas with a personal understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural community.

Jonathan Bobbitt

A longtime row crop producer in Bay, Arkansas, who now serves as the director of client relations and a board member for Tailgate Time, driven by his own experience with depression and desire to help other struggling farmers.

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What they’re saying

“Our top priority is to raise awareness of and improve access to these essential services for farmers, their families, and those who serve the agricultural community.”

— Bane

“Tailgate Time is a place where farmers can talk openly, knowing their privacy is protected and stigma is left at the door. Here, we help you process difficult issues, heal from trauma, build resilience tools, lead your family by example, and make self-care a part of staying strong—for yourself and those who depend on you.”

— Mandy Young, Agricultural Mental Health Outreach Training Director, Tailgate Time

“I joined the Tailgate Time team because of my passion to help other farmers who are struggling mentally. The hope was if I spoke about my fight with depression, it would allow others to feel comfortable enough to reach out for help.”

— Jonathan Bobbitt, Director of Client Relations and Board Member, Tailgate Time

What’s next

Tailgate Time is actively seeking long-term funding to endow its free care services for farmers and expand coverage into farming communities just outside Northeast Arkansas.

The takeaway

By providing confidential, stigma-free access to mental health resources, Tailgate Time aims to address the critical need for specialized support among the agricultural community in Northeast Arkansas, where farm bankruptcies and suicide rates have been alarmingly high.