Sowing the Seeds of Support: Conversations on Mental Health in Farming

Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. It’s early mornings, unpredictable weather, long hours, and the kind of pressure most people don’t see. For many farmers, the mental load is constant and heavy—and yet, it's often carried in silence.

That’s why AgKnow brought together farmers, researchers, and ag industry leaders for an honest, much-needed conversation: “The Mental Load of Farming: Sowing the Seeds of Support.” The goal? To listen, to learn, and to build solutions that actually make sense for the people working the land every day.

Why This Conversation Matters
Mental health isn’t always easy to talk about—especially in a profession built on resilience and self-reliance. But farming comes with its own set of stressors: rising costs, debt, isolation, livestock losses, and a deep connection to things no one can control, like weather and global markets.

In the words of AgKnow’s Executive Director, Linda Hunt:

"Addressing the mental health of our farmers is not just an act of compassion; it’s essential for the sustainability of agriculture."

This session was about acknowledging that truth—and doing something about it.

What We Heard from the Farming Community
Here’s what participants shared:

Proactive support is key – Farmers need more than a crisis line. They need long-term, ongoing support that fits their lives and schedules.

Stigma is still real—but it’s changing – When mental health is discussed in the context of farming challenges, it becomes easier to open up.

Community is everything – Peer support and trusted networks matter. Most farmers will talk—but they’ll talk to someone who “gets it.”

Access is a barrier – Many services aren’t affordable, available nearby, or staffed by people who understand ag life.

Support needs to live where farming lives – Mental health shouldn’t be an add-on. It should be woven into the places farmers already show up—like co-ops, events, and ag organizations.