Helping Farmers Deal With Stress

Stress is something farmers and ranchers deal with daily.  Years like this one seem to amplify this stress.  Researchers at Iowa State University wants all farmers to know you are not alone and there are people there for you.  ISU economist Chad Hart talks about the variety of stressors in agriculture.

“This has sort of, if you will, been building over time, when we think back about what’s been happening over the past four or five years, what we’ve seen is dramatic erosion in farm incomes, we’ve seen that stress level build up, and then when the trade war really erupted here, it was sort of adding insult to injury; some major body blows over the years, and we know that is stressful on farm families, as they try to manage through these tough times.”

Hart went on to talk about the importance of a coordinated effort to educate farmers on how to navigate these tough times successfully.

“What we’re looking to do here, is, OK we recognize that farming is a stressful occupation, and that as people are looking at, in my case, the marketing side what are the strategies we can use to help cope there.  My coauthors here are going to talk about looking at the mental health aspect because we’re all wrestling with how do you deal with stress, what are your outlets, how are you going to manage?”

Additional tips include:

• Don’t over commit
• Take time for yourself.
• Recognize stressors in others and help them through difficult times
• Above all else, talk with friends, family or neighbors about stress management; the conversation may help you, or may help them.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com