Farm and Ranch Stress

Farm stressors can come from many directions including the agricultural system, farm and family finances, mental and physical health challenges, and relationship difficulties. A healthy response to these challenges involves paying attention to the stressors within all of these areas and determining coping strategies that are useful in each area.

All Farm and Ranch Stress Content

Man holding his wrist, which is afflicted with arthritis.

Arthritis and Agriculture

Did you know arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in U.S. adults? Learn some tips for managing pain and reducing arthritis risk while working in agricultural production.

Silhoutte of mother and daughter holding hands at sunset.

Helping Kids Cope and Understand Family Stressors

South Dakota and many of our neighboring states experience natural disasters and agricultural family stress. While we know this can cause added stress on adults and parents, don’t forget to visit with your children of all ages and help them cope with the added stress and changes in their routine.

A child’s crayon drawing of various pets.

Losing Pets and Talking About Death

As we are dealing with illnesses and diseases running through our animal population, it is important to discuss the loss of a pets with children. Learn some expert tips for starting the conversation.

family gathered around an emergency weather radio

Helping Kids Cope and Understand Disasters/Flooding

South Dakota and many of our neighboring states are experiencing flooding and natural disasters. How children experience traumatic events and how they express their lingering distress depends, in large part, on the children's age and level of development.

Three young farmers walking through a harvested field at sunset.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Farm Stress Assistance in South Dakota

If you are experiencing farm stress or want to help others who are experiencing farm stress, organizations have expanded efforts across South Dakota. Learn about some available resources for seeking assistance.

Father, son, and grandchild gathered at family farmyard.

Mental Health: Recognizing and Managing Stress

Feeling stressed on the farm or ranch? Learn how to recognize stress, manage it, and find the support you need to overcome it.

Female Native American rancher gazing into an open rangeland.

Taking Time for Reflection: Managing Stress With Positive Thinking

The practice of positive thinking can improve your physical and mental health, and new perspectives and optimism can bring renewed strength to managing stress on the farm and at home.

A producer meeting with an employee in a farmyard.

Leading Through COVID-19 on the Farm and Ranch

Producers can be quick to adapt and utilize technology, but sometimes need a little nudge in other areas. COVID-19 sometimes feels like one of the areas that agriculture needs a nudge in.

Three young farmers walking through a harvested field at sunset.

SDSU Extension Seeks Participants for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Focus Groups

January 27, 2022

SDSU Extension invites individuals involved in farming, ranching and agriculture to participate in a statewide comprehensive needs assessment on farm/ranch stress and mental health.

a person standing outside watching the sunset

SDSU Extension to Host Summer Farm Stress Series

May 24, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension is launching additional virtual farm stress workshops to promote mental health awareness from May throughout the summer.