The Roots of Success: Tips for Strong Mental Health on the Farm
Tips and Resources for Strong Mental Health on the Farm
Agriculture is the number one industry in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Providing key agricultural commodities to the rest of the U.S. and world-wide, the pressure to produce is real for farmers in the southeast.
To be a farmer is to deal with uncertainty. And farmers have had a slew of trying circumstances of late. Hurricanes have ripped across the southeast destroying homes, farms and even lives. Dairy farmers receive letters canceling contracts. Hog producers get slapped with nuisance lawsuits. The government imposes tariffs that affect the markets. Added to the mix is the fact that farming is so intertwined with a way of life that sometimes it’s difficult for farmers to separate from the stress.
Inseparable connectedness
“We call it inseparable connectedness,” says Dr. Robin Tutor-Marcom, director of the N.C. Agromedicine Institute at East Carolina University. (The Institute partners with N.C. State and N.C A&T State universities.)
“There is no separation between the farm and the person. They are the farm and the farm is them. If the farm fails, they see themselves failing. They don’t see themselves as being able to survive apart from the farm. When they are not at the farm, where do they go? They go to a Farm Credit meeting, or a Farm Bureau, Extension or commodity meeting. Even if they are not on the farm, they are at a farm-related activity or they are constantly thinking about the farm and so they are not able to separate and have their own identity. That’s a real concern.”
Scott Lee, loan officer in Statesville, North Carolina, echoes the concern. Lee works with farmers in the dairy industry, which has been particularly hard hit with some farmers in the state losing contracts.
“For many farmers it’s a 7 day, 80- to 90-hour-a-week job that these people have been doing their entire lives. It’s all they’ve ever done and now they are going in the hole doing it due to the milk prices,” says Lee. He expresses concern about what farmers are going through and says farmers often keep their problems bottled up. “Talk with someone — that’s the first step,” says Lee.
Lee suggests whether it be a trusted friend, family member, counselor, pastor…just talk. Verbalizing your experiences can help you process your emotions in a more effective manner than burying it away and ignoring them.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with someone you know, you still have options. Farm Family Wellness Alliance provides mental health and wellness services where you can receive peer-to-peer support from farmers across the country who are experiencing similar difficulties.
A seat at the table
According to Greenville, Georgia loan officer Joseph Branch, stress will unfortunately always have a seat at the dinner table for farming families. “It’s there when you wake up, there when you go to bed, and follows you around like a dog in between.”
Branch explains there are financials stressors for farmers as well as non-financial stressors that can be just as draining-if not more. “Financial stresses like commodity prices, input increases, financial ratios, interest rates, taxes, and more are a given for farmers. We also know that there are non-financial stresses like weather, off-farm obligations, pests (especially armyworms in our area), the lack of enough hours in the day, and the to-do list that keeps growing.”
Dr. Michael Hester is the director of Pastoral Counseling and Growth Center in Asheville, North Carolina. He also frequently presents at the AgSouth Farm Credit Agricultural Leadership Institute, stressing the importance of self-care for farm families. He suggests a tool called MEDS which stands for Meditation, Exercise, Diet, and Sleep. Taking time to simply pause during a busy day, breathe deeply, and express gratitude for at least five things every day can lend a more intentional way to bring meaning to your life.
While farming is undoubtedly stressful, it is important to realize that you are the most important part of your farm. If you are not doing well, your farm will follow suit. Check in with yourself and take a break-even a few minutes will do. Take a walk, eat a snack, play fetch with your dog. You are more than your job!
Community is key
Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. This is a terrifying and heartbreaking statistic.
So, what do we do to improve farmer mental health and well-being? Farmers should not have to suffer to provide a livelihood for their families.
“With input cost being at an all-time high and commodity price being unpredictable, now more than ever our farmers need support. Whether it is a community club/organization, Extension resource, or local church, having likeminded folks who care and can provide encouragement is crucial,” says loan officer Robert Allen Pope of the Batesburg, South Carolina branch.
Community Resources are available for you! Many farmers do not realize that there are several mental health services and support groups nationwide that are specifically designed for farmers. Additionally, there are state specific programs as well. Click here to see resources available. (Listed below)
Your passion and purpose
With all the troubles that come along with farming, why do folks even bother? According to one AgSouth customer, it comes down to passion and purpose. Buchanan, Georgia native Blake Poole is no stranger to the struggles of farm life. A third-generation cattle farmer, Poole knows that to make it in the agriculture industry, you must want to do more than “make money” off the farm.
“The stress of farming is money. Property taxes, hay, work truck, my upcoming wedding, how do I budget all of this? How can I afford it? I want to carry on the tradition of my daddy and granddaddy.” Having to not only farm, but also be responsible for all the finances and other details of farming is a lot of responsibility. Not wanting to destroy a family legacy is even more responsibility.
Poole says that his solution to dealing with the stresses of farm life is to go to a quiet spot on his farm and reflect on God’s promises. Reflecting on scripture grounds him and helps boost his spirits when times get hard.
“Generational farming is stressful-but it is also special. To me-farming is not all about the money. It is about doing the right thing and keeping the family tradition. You must tell your story and most importantly, be in the Lord’s Favor.”
You are your farm's greatest asset
Agriculture is the backbone of the United States. Through pumping billions into the economy yearly through agricultural commodities and agribusinesses-the ag industry is truly a blessing to our country. Farms, and especially farmers, are critical to keeping America fed and clothed. Farmer wellbeing should be a priority not only in rural areas, but nation-wide.
“It’s important for our farmers to remember that AgSouth stands behind them, their families, and our industry,” says Branch.
If you or someone you know is struggling and need help, we have provided some helpful resources below. Please reach out-don’t stay silent. After all, YOU are your farms greatest asset.
AgSouth Member Assistance Program
Our Member Assistance Program (MAP) provides multiple benefits and services such as: assessment and counseling, legal services, financial services, and online services. Contact us to learn more about MAP, or download a flyer for a quick overview of the program.
Farm Stress Resources
Nationwide:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.”
1-800-273-TALK (8255) (ENG), 1-888-628-9454 (ESP)
Farm Family Wellness Alliance mental health and wellness services are provided through a multi-layer approach. The first layer is an online community called Togetherall. There you will find a broad array of peer-to-peer support and a library of self-paced resources. If needed, an additional layer of support is available through Personal Assistance Services (PAS). More details on each service provider are below.
North Carolina:
North Carolina Agromedicine Institute. Need to talk with someone confidentially who’s non-judgmental and understands farming? Contact the Agromedicine Institute to be matched with a trained Peer Farmer. (252) -744-1008
Georgia:
Georgia Department of Agriculture provides resources and contact information for several Georgia based mental health services for farmers.
South Carolina:
South Carolina Farm Bureau SC Agriwellness. Free counseling services for farmers and farm families. Call 1-800-968-8143 or visit First Sun EAP to be connected with a trained professional.