Peanut Grower Editor
Five years ago, the University of Georgia Extension service began making a concerted effort to talk about rural health and, particularly, the stress farmers are under.
In production meetings that spring, UGA peanut specialist Scott Monfort, said, “We know your job is one of the toughest and most stressful jobs out there. Unfortunately, in the past few years, we have lost some good farmers, and it is likely partly due to stress.”
That was in 2020. If it’s even possible, I feel like what you have been through since then and are going through now is that stress level x 100 or more.
The cyclical nature of prices for rotation partners with peanuts stopped turning. Cotton and corn prices have been low for many years now. Multiple weather disasters have happened in the past few years, but assistance is seemingly stuck in perpetual limbo. Now, there is a tariff war that only compounds problems for domestic agriculture that is more dependent on export markets than ever before, including peanuts. I don’t have to tell you about the stress you’re under.
What I can say is that you are not alone, and those same resources that Monfort was bringing to the forefront then are still available now and then some.
Since that initial focus on mental health on the farm in 2020, the Extension service nationwide has become more acutely tuned to helping and supporting farmers in their communities. Hopefully, you as farmers are more aware that your mental health is critical, that the stigma of reaching out for help has been removed and that resources are available to help you process what you’re going through. The take-home message for these resources is that you are the most important asset on your farm.
Another resource that has come about since 2020 is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. An alternative to 911, this hotline is ready to provide mental health resources and support or even mental health emergencies like suicidal thinking or behavior, trauma, substance misuse and psychosis. The 988 Lifeline is available for call, text or chat with trained counselors who can discuss what’s happening and, if necessary, connect you to local resources and support.
Yet another resource can be found at www.farmandranchstress.com. Here, you can find a list of resources and also connect to the Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger website for further help in managing mental health and staying healthy during stressful times.
If anything, I hope you can see through all of these resources that there is a whole network of people who understand the plight of the farmer and want to help you stay the most valuable asset on your farm.
