Farming is not just an occupation; it is a lifestyle. Often, it is a lifestyle that can be physically and mentally demanding on farmers. When those tough times hit, the thought of losing a multi-generation farm is alarming and stressful. Stress can lead to mental and physical health issues. According to Oregon Wheat Growers website “forty-five percent of farmers report high stress, and fifty-eight percent of farmers meet the classifications for anxiety.”

Agriculture is a stressful industry, and finding help can be difficult. According to the American Farm Bureau, “A majority of rural adults agree that cost, availability, accessibility, stigma, and embarrassment would be barriers if they were seeking help for a mental health condition.” Mental health resources are scarce in rural wheat producing areas. Finding facilities can be challenging, farmers may have to drive hours to find help. On top of the distance, many farmers worry professionals will not understand the stress and toll they face everyday. Working long hours, dealing with unexpected weather conditions, and markets that are constantly fluctuating, to increasing production costs, bad media, and worrying about paying back loans,they manage it all. Another worry comes from the stigma around mental health. Farmers and ranchers are seen as rugged, resilient individuals, willing to tackle any challenge that comes their way. Producers with mental health issues may worry about being seen as “weak.” But what we need to realize is that having a mental health issue is just as important to take care of than a health issue with your lungs or heart. The consideration of stigma shouldn’t be the deciding factor in seeking help.

According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, ninety-six percent of farms are family owned and operated. When one farmer is experiencing physical and emotional strain,it is not just affecting that one farmer. It affects their family, marriage, friendships, farm, and even their neighbors. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, or NIFA is a federal agency within the USDA responsible for research and education. In October, the NIFA invested $25million in grants for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These funded projects must initiate, expand, or sustain programs providing professional agricultural behavior health counseling, and referral to other programs. These programs offer other forms of assistance as necessary through farm telephone helplines, websites, training programs, support groups, and outreach services.

Agricultural and rural communities need to be aware of the tell-tale signs of mental health issues. Agronomists, seed and parts salesmen, veterinarians, and any other occupations involved in the agricultural industry should know the signs of struggling agriculturalists. These signs include: irritability, fatigue, emotional outbursts, isolation, substance abuse, sleeping issues, and dramatic changes in weight or appetite. If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and needs help, reach out to professionals to help find agencies and hotlines to help support them.Farmers take up less than two percent of the population in the U.S. and that number is declining. The US Census Bureau does not recognize farming as an occupation, yet we are expected to feed and clothe a growing nation. We cannot afford to lose anymore farmers to mental health issues. If farming were easy, everyone would do it. The “too tough to need help”mindset needs to end. Farmers need to create healthy work environments through physical safety and wellness, but from the mental health standpoint.

2023 Scholarship Essay: Madison Orem

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, there are resources available.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• If texting is preferred, text HOME to 741741
• Agristress Helpline: https://www.agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline/ call or text 833-897-2474.
• If you have a medical emergency, call 911.