Farmer stress shows in varied ways

When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, but at other times may be quickly apparent, said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension assistant professor.

Visible signs such as thinning hair, weight changes or skin breakouts are warning signs from the body that yell, “I need help.” Other signs might be more subtle, Funkenbusch said in a news release.

“Anyone connected to the farm is in a position to notice signs of stress and be of help to the farmer and farm family,” she said.

Less frequent visitors to the farm may be in a better position to notice changes. People in this group may include seed and chemical salespersons and veterinarians.

Funkenbusch referred to a recent newsletter from the Missouri Department of Agriculture listing signs of stress:

• Change in routines. The farmer or farm family stops attending church, drops out of activities or no longer stops in at the local coffee shop or feed store.
• Decline in the care of animals. 
• Increase in illness. 
• Increase in farm accidents. The risk of farm accidents increases due to the fatigue or inability to concentrate. Children also may be at risk if there isn’t adequate child care.
• Decline in appearance of the farm. 
• Children show signs of stress. Children may act out, decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school.