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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.

All Farm Stress Content

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.

A father, mother and daughter walking in a field in the countryside.

Talking With Teens and Youth During Challenging Times

Youth are regularly faced with uncertain situations, disappointments and potential mental health challenges. It is important for caring adults in their life to be able to know how to talk to them during these times.

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.

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.

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.