Farmer Health & Wellness
Farming often requires long hours of strenuous work, unpredictable conditions, and constant decision making. Taking care of your health is not separate from farm safety; it is an important part of it.
Take Care of Your Body
- Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Take regular breaks during physically demanding work.
- Use proper lifting techniques and ask for assistance with heavy or awkward loads.
- Wear appropriate footwear and PPE.
- Get adequate sleep before operating tractors, machinery, or other equipment.
Take Care of Your Mind
- Stress, fatigue, financial concerns, weather challenges, and long workdays can take a toll on you mentally.
- Watch for signs of excessive stress.
- Constant fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or frustration
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
Environmental Hazards and Concerns
- Use appropriate PPE and take steps to reduce exposure to common hazards and concerns such as:
- Excessive heat and sun
- Dust and allergens
- Noise
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Animal related hazards
- Repetitive motions
Mental Health Resources
National Hotlines & Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7, free, and confidential).
- Farm Aid’s Farmer Hotline: Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) for peer support, crisis help, and resource connection (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern).
- AgriStress HelpLine: Call 833-897-AGRI (833-897-2474) for free, 24/7 mental health support designed specifically for agricultural communities.
- 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local community, financial, and health services in your area.
Specialized Programs & Education
- Farm State of Mind: Run by the American Farm Bureau Federation, this campaign offers a searchable directory of state-by-state mental health resources and counseling services.
- Rural Minds: Offers the free Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program, providing online tools, fact sheets, and education to reduce stigma and build resilience in agricultural communities.
- Rural Resilience Training: A free online course developed by Farm Credit and partners to teach individuals how to recognize stress symptoms and communicate effectively with stressed farmers.
