Harvesting Hope: Mental Health Help for All

The strongest shoulders and the heaviest loads, those in agriculture are as tough as they come. Working cattle, fixing fences, rain, shine, early mornings, late nights and much more makes life being an agricultural producer taxing. As we all know it is more than a job, it is your passion, and within a blink of an eye something could jeopardize everything you have worked so hard for. Other times, the work becomes more than we can handle and can burn us out. No matter the situation it is okay to ask for help. Mental battles are hard to fight on our own, thankfully many resources are provided to help the situation you may be dealing with.

Understand Farmers Mental Health:

During the farm crisis of the 1980's there was a dramatic increase in farmers taking their own lives. Volatile markets, an uneasy government, weather events, disease, and more all cause high stress. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. This topic is not taken lightly. According to the CDC in 2021, males in farming had a higher suicide rate than the average across all industries. "Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average" (American Farm Bureau, 2025). With the turbulent times of today it is imperative resources are made available to those in agriculture to combat mental health issues.

Where to Start:

Starting can look as simple as taking a deep breath and going on a walk to clear your mind. Journaling, getting all your thoughts, fears, and more on paper can help you take that first step. In times of distress having gratitude for what you currently do have can also be a big help in starting to calm anxiety and stress. Another great start is to have human connection away from the farm. Ask a friend to grab lunch and talk about anything, it could be something positive or maybe they are going through something similar as well.

Reaching out to others does not have to be about you. If you have a friend whose animals were in a bad situation or had a crop that was impacted by weather, reach out! Even if they do not need physical help, talking about the issues out loud to someone who understands is a great way to relieve stress. Hardships signal a time to reach out, but any time is a good time. You never know what someone is going through or what they may need until you ask. A great way to help yourself and others is to make it a point to reach out to one friend in agriculture a week. With the current state of affairs we could all use a weekly pick me up.

Farm State of Mind:

"The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind campaign builds awareness to reduce stigma and provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness"(American Farm Bureau, 2025). Visit the site Farm State of Mind® | American Farm Bureau Federation. Here crisis hotlines, peer to peer support, tips, research, training, and more can all be found. No farmer will fight alone.

Delaware Farm Bureau member, Steve Breeding is dialing the hotline as a part of his story

In a desperate last resort, Steve Breeding, called the hotline. He felt he had nothing to lose and it saved his life that night. Steve states, "It was the best call that I made in my life". He was able to vent his problems to a person trained to help someone in these situations. Steve kept himself from making a permanent decision because of a temporary problem. Stories like Steve's breaks the stigma around farmers mental health and encourages others to call, log online, and receive the care and guidance they need.

"A healthy farm or ranch is nothing without a healthy you" (Arizona Farm Bureau)

Those in agriculture feed, clothe, and drive parts of the economy. Keeping those who provide healthy, not only physically but mentally, is the number one priority. Reaching out to neighboring farms, calling crisis hotlines, and using resources online can help those even in the most rural areas. There is much strength in asking for help, and that ask can in turn help others, like Steve Breeding's story. Do not wait and take action today.  Your voice, your life, and your well-being matter more than any harvest or herd. By reaching out, you not only care for yourself but also set an example for others who may be silently struggling. Together, lets break the stigma and encourage every farmer and rancher to know they are never alone.

References:

Farm Bureau welcomes next era of supporting Farmer Mental Wellbeing. American Farm Bureau Federation. (n.d.-a). https://www.fb.org/news-release/farm-bureau-welcomes-next-era-of-supporting-farmer-mental-wellbeing

Farm State of Mind. American Farm Bureau Federation. (n.d.-b). https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind

Just one step: Supporting mental health for farmers and ranchers. azfb.org. (2025, April 27). https://www.azfb.org/Article/Just-One-Step-Supporting-Mental-Health-for-Farmers-and-Ranchers

Rural response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Overview - Rural Health Information Hub. Overview - Rural Health Information Hub. (2025, April 28). https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer-mental-health

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). How to improve mental health. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html