Farm Families Under Pressure

Those not familiar with the daily business of farming or ranching may think that farmers and ranchers do not have as much stress as someone who works a non-agricultural job answering to a supervisor or boss. They would be wrong. In fact, farmers and ranchers face a multitude of stress related issues often on a daily basis, such as planting schedules, labor issues, weather patterns, livestock health and safety, fluctuating markets, and natural disasters. While farmers tend to smoke less than the general population, a large majority of farmers are apt to cope with stress through excessive worry, over eating, or most commonly, over working. Combined these behaviors increase a person’s risk for heart disease and other serious health issues. Those in agriculture don’t often talk about the stress they’re under, but farm and ranch families who find themselves under increasing pressure should share what is happening with them. Talking to fellow farmers and ranchers will help them realize that they’re not alone, and could even lead to some problem solving.