December 13, 2020 at 9:45 pm CST Expand Researchers in University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and U of I Extension are working to ensure farmers and their families have access to resources and services they need to manage stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. URBANA, Ill. â Even without the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, agricultural producers experience high levels of anxiety, depression, substance use and death by suicide. Researchers at the University of Illinois and U of I Extension are working to ensure producers and their families have the resources and access to services to manage their stress and mental health.