Amid the golden fields and early morning routines, a silent struggle is occurring in the agriculture community—mental health. While farmers and ranchers are known for their resilience and grit, the weight of isolation, financial pressures, unpredictable weather, and generational expectations can take a heavy toll. It’s time to break the silence and acknowledge that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. I want to take a moment to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by those who feed the world—and why mental health awareness has become part of the conversation in rural America.
Farming isn’t just an occupation; it’s a way of life, often shared across generations. In fact, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), nearly 95% of farms in the United States are family-owned, meaning spouses, siblings, parents, and children often work side by side through long days and tough seasons. This deep-rooted family involvement creates a strong sense of pride and tradition, but it can also add layers of pressure. When livelihoods are tied to legacy, and personal identity is wrapped up in the land, talking about mental health can feel especially difficult. Often, we see our mentors within the agriculture community, and it is hard to imagine them having an internal problem that they don’t express. When thinking of my mentors within agriculture, it is truly inspirational to think of all the ways they have motivated me. This is a common occurrence between generations. Working in a family business, many find it hard to have someone to confide in when they face difficulty. Yet it’s within these tight-knit family structures that the first steps toward healing and support begin. The agriculture community has become more aware of these issues and is working harder now than ever before to combat these issues.
Weathering the Storm
While many things within the agriculture community continue to change, one is extremely unpredictable. Climate change has made farming more difficult than ever, with extreme weather events—like droughts, floods, and unseasonal frosts—becoming more frequent and severe. According to AFBF, over 80% of agricultural losses in recent years have been weather-related, impacting not only crops and livestock but also the mental health of those whose livelihoods depend on them. When a year’s worth of labor can be undone by a single storm or heatwave, it creates a constant undercurrent of anxiety and uncertainty, further compounding the emotional toll on farmers and their families. The agriculture community is continually working with farmers and ranchers to implement crop insurance and a support system for these unpredictable events.
Financial Stress from Farming
On top of the mounting pressures from extreme weather, the volatility of commodity and livestock prices adds yet another layer of uncertainty for today’s farmers and ranchers. Unlike most careers, farming income is largely determined by forces beyond any one person’s control—global markets, geopolitical instability, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and even consumer trends can dramatically influence what farmers and ranchers are paid for their hard-earned goods. For example, corn prices have seen wild fluctuations over the past decade, with prices per bushel ranging from as high as $8 in 2012 to under $3 in 2020, before climbing again amid pandemic disruptions and global unrest. Soybeans and wheat have followed similar patterns. Meanwhile, cattle markets have been equally unstable: live cattle prices dropped by nearly 25% during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as grocery store meat prices surged. These kinds of market swings make it incredibly difficult for farmers and ranchers to budget, invest, or even break even, especially as the costs of seed, fertilizer, feed, and equipment continue to rise.
When your livelihood depends on a system you can’t predict or control, financial stress becomes a constant companion. In fact, according to recent research from AFBF, 91% of farmers say financial issues impact their mental health, and over half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were just a few years ago. The pressure to make ends meet, preserve multi-generational farms and businesses, and protect the future can lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and burnout. In many rural areas, where stigma still surrounds mental health and resources are scarce, these struggles are too often endured in silence. It’s a heavy burden, and it’s one more reason why open conversations about mental health in agriculture are not just important; they’re essential. While prices are unpredictable, the agriculture community is continually learning more about commodity pricing, insurance, and how to manage pricing fluctuations.
The Tragic Cost
The most upsetting indicator of the mental health crisis in agriculture is the rising number of farmers and ranchers who have lost their lives to suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals working in the farming, fishing, and forestry sectors have some of the highest suicide rates of any occupation in the United States—nearly twice the national average in some studies. Behind these numbers are stories of people pushed to the brink by overwhelming financial pressures, isolation, weather disasters, market instability, and a deeply ingrained culture of self-reliance that often discourages asking for help. These tragedies are not just statistics; they are losses felt deeply in families, communities, and across the agriculture community.
Helping farmers and ranchers open up about their mental health starts with creating a culture where vulnerability is met with support. It means reminding those in agriculture that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it’s an act of strength and resilience. Conversations about mental health have become more normalized at the kitchen table, in the feed store, at the co-op, and during community gatherings. Trusted voices—like ag lenders, extension agents, veterinarians, and fellow farmers and ranchers—all play a vital role by checking in, listening without judgment, and pointing others toward professional resources. Making mental health care more accessible through rural clinics, telehealth services, and crisis hotlines is also essential, especially in areas where options are limited. Most importantly, we continue to remind our agricultural community: you are not alone, your struggles are valid, and help is always within reach. Together, we will continue to break the silence and continue to build a future where mental wellness is part of what it means to farm strong. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone – help is available.
All posts are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of the Animal Ag Alliance.
