Farm Stress, The Reality

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist, BCCD
There has been a lot more discussion in the world surrounding mental health in recent years but even though there are efforts to reduce the stigma there is still a lot of discomfort around the topic. Speaking specifically about farming, in the agriculture community, there are still so many voids in mental health care options. Most farms in Bradford County aren’t seasonal cropping operations, meaning it’s 365/24/7 and with that comes a large physical and mental toll. There’s rarely any down time for farmers to decompress, which means they are at a higher risk of becoming mentally (setting aside physically) exhausted. Burnout is the number one mental health concern among farmers.

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Younger farmers are bridging the gap between the struggles of farming, finances, family, and the toll it takes on them mentally and emotionally and sharing that experience with others. Farming can be a very isolating profession, in that many don’t share their thoughts or feelings because, frankly, most ‘outside’ people just can’t begin to understand that it’s not only business, but so many areas are intertwined. More experienced farmers (I didn’t want to come out and just say ‘older’) might not be so willing to speak about their struggles or seek help.  

The Center for Dairy Excellence, in partnership with several other ag entities, sent out a mental wellness survey to just over 8,000 farmers and agricultural professionals (Pennsylvania Animal Agriculture Mental Wellness Survey 2022). Of that total, only 672 responded to enough of the survey to collect data from. 69% of the responding farmers agreed that the importance of mental health in the ag industry was of Very High Importance with the biggest factors of mental health concerns being financial stress, weather, and long hours and conditions. It’s an interesting survey, I urge you to take a look at the reported results, and the survey itself.

Firsthand, I know that farmers rarely open up to anyone, but most in the survey shared that they have spoken to a spouse, family, or friends when feeling the stressors. If that is actually true, (I also know, FIRSTHAND being married to a farmer) sometimes communication with those directly involved in the farm may also not be able to help long term. You want to speak to someone who KNOWS what you’re experiencing but it is also very important to speak to mental health professionals or non-biased parties.

The Farm Bureau also has a list of mental health professionals available to farmers for those with and without insurance, self-guided materials, and virtual options. So, as we are in one of the most stressful times of year between spring planting and getting hay in before the next rainstorm - take care of yourselves (and each other). Taking time off from the farm isn’t often an option, but taking time FOR yourself and your wellbeing is important to those who care about you and the livestock and crops that rely on you. Know that being a part of such an incredible industry, we need you and we support you.

For more information on mental health (with agri focused options) please see the attached list or contact the National: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (dial 988)

https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind

https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-PA-Animal-Ag-Mental-Wellness-Report-Dated-August-2022.pdf

The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.