Farm 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.

Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program

SDSU Extension, the South Dakota Department of Social Services and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources have partnered to offer a behavioral health voucher program for farmers, ranchers and their immediate family members.  The voucher program will provide funding for free mental health counseling services to farm families. Use the link below to learn how to receive a voucher.

Voucher Program

Use the playlist above to view our Farm Stress video series, including the 2019 South Dakota Farm and Ranch Stress Summit.

All Farm Stress Content

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.

Older adult looking holding hands with young girl, while a father and son look on from a distance

Question Persuade Refer Training

SDSU Extension provides QPR (Question Persuade Refer) trainings to agricultural groups and rural communities interested in preventing suicide. The goal of this training is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors.

A rancher inspecting a sample of alflafa in an open range.

Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program

The voucher program provides funding for free mental health counseling services to farm families.

Mother, two daughters, and dog going for a walk in the country.

Healthy Ways to Reduce Stress

Effective stress management techniques can help you approach managing your stress in a healthy manner, such as practicing good time management, having realistic expectations, practicing relaxation techniques, or becoming more physically active.

group of young women meditating during a yoga session

Stress Management With Mindfulness

Finding ways to decrease your stress level in a healthy way is important for managing stress in the long-term. This can be done with mindfulness and a variety of tools.

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.

a business checklist written on a pad with a pen. Photo by Eilis Maynard, FEMA

Communities Facing Disasters: Helpful Checklists

Whether communities are planning for, experiencing, or recovering from a disaster, checklists are helpful. View some helpful checklists created by experienced people who know what is needed during any stage of a disaster.

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.

Three young farmers walking through a harvested field at sunset.

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

January 28, 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.