Stress and the Future of Farming

About the Series

Welcome to the sixth and final fact sheet in our series, offered by Penn State Extension! You'll discover helpful insights, practical strategies for implementing important safety protocols, and advice and techniques for achieving optimal personal health and wellness.

Exciting times in agriculture are ahead—new technologies and strategies are reshaping our farming landscape. According to Professor John Shutske (n.d.), all the information flooding in about biotech, data, precision farming, and market strategies might feel overwhelming.

But staying informed is the key to thriving, regardless of your age. Tap into local resources like extension offices, universities, and other experts. Shutske says that education not only eases stress by guiding your decisions but also opens doors to exciting new business opportunities. So, dive in and stay ahead in this ever-changing field—you've got this!

Now, let's talk about planning for the future. It might sound like a daunting task, but don't worry! With support from farm management experts and local agencies, setting goals and tracking your progress becomes easier (Shutske, n.d.). You're not alone—there's plenty of friendly support to make your planned journey smooth and successful!

Field Stories: Confronting Stress

Andy is a fourth-generation farmer who has seen first-hand how important a farmer's mental health is to their physical health. "People think that farming is this idyllic lifestyle, but the truth is that we constantly have operational and economic challenges." There is always something or someone that needs a farmer’s attention.

Despite these pressures, he encourages everyone he meets—from youth in 4-H and FFA to adults at livestock auctions and the grain elevator—to connect with one another. Sometimes, we feel too embarrassed or too busy to reach out, but we all need those connections.

Strategy: Acceptance

(Source: Michigan State University Extension, 2020)

One effective strategy for farmers to reduce stress is practicing acceptance. This involves observing your feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations without judgment. Instead of reacting to these thoughts or emotions, acknowledge them and then let them go.

This technique helps to lower the body's stress response, ultimately reducing anxious and depressed thoughts. By cultivating a mindset of acceptance, farmers can navigate challenging situations with a more balanced perspective, fostering a sense of calmness and resilience amid the demands of their work.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in a crisis, call 988 or text 741741 for help.

Safety First

(Source: Fetzer and Spackman, 2022)

Health Challenges

We understand that farming is challenging. It's harder when health issues arise, like arthritis or back problems. AgrAbility PA is here to help! They support individuals in agriculture who have a disability or a long-term health condition that makes it difficult to complete essential tasks on the farm. Sometimes, these difficulties aren’t visible to others, and you might feel worn out. Their friendly staff is just a phone call or email away and may schedule a free onsite farm assessment with you. From simple solutions like tractor steps to something more complex like a tractor lift, they can recommend assistive technology or modifications tailored to your needs. They can also help identify services that offer financial support for these improvements. Don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know finds farm tasks hard due to a health condition—they're here to make things easier! Contact AgrAbility PA at 814-867-5288 or agrability@psu.edu

For More Information

Call

• AgriStress Helpline: 833-897-2474 (24/7).
• National Suicide Hotline: 988.
• Rural Response Hotline:
  800-464-0258 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free personal counseling and financial/legal services.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Listen

Penn State Extension hosts a concise, practical, real-talk podcast on farm stress.

Visit

For more information about this publication or the Farm Stress initiative, see Penn State Team Responding to Farm Stress.

References

Fetzer L, and Spackman A. 2022. "About AgrAbility." Penn State Extension.

Michigan State University Extension. (2020). [PowerPoint]. "Communicating with Farmers Under Stress."

Shutske, John. (n.d.). "Farm Stress & Decision-Making During Challenging Times." University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension.