According to a recent American Farm Bureau Federation Poll, a strong majority of farmers and farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health. More than half of respondents say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago. See this link for the full article from the American…
All posts in Farm Stress

Podcast: Keeping Pace on the “Technology Treadmill” and Other Farm Stressors
Today’s farmers weather more stress than ever before. Our podcasts seek to share important information, tools, and hope through interviews with experts in agriculture and special guests from Purdue University. Dr Joe Molnar, Professor of Agricultural Economics in Rural Sociology, discusses his research on stress specific to farmers and shares resources and ideas to better…

Podcast: A Conversation with Angela Sorg about Farm Stress
Today’s farmers weather more stress than ever before. Our podcasts seek to share important information, tools, and hope through interviews with experts in agriculture and special guests from Purdue University. Angela Sorg is a Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Educator with Purdue Extension with over 20 years’ experience as a Mental Health professional. She…
Communicating with Farmers Under Stress
Farming is a challenging and often stressful occupation – even without the added uncertainty created by COVID this year. Statistics show it is also very dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmers and farm works experience fatal injuries at a rate nearly seven times that of non-farm civilian occupations. Farming is also…

Farm Stress and Diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and according to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 34 million Americans have diabetes. Our American Farmers are at risk for developing this disease due to chronic stress and not taking the time for their health. If you or a loved one are concerned about your risk for diabetes please take…
Recent Cargill Study Finds Consumers Support Farmers
Farmers are often overwhelmed by stories about the negative perceptions the public has about agriculture. A recent Cargill study indicates that recent sentiment is moving in the opposite direction with the majority of people saying they appreciate what farmers are doing to support the food supply. The study found that consumers recognize the pressure that…

Podcast, A Conversation with Gary Truitt, the Voice of Hoosier Ag Today
Gary talks about his connections to the Indiana agricultural community and the pride he takes in having served the needs of farm families for over 35 years. He also shares information about the Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo, an event that showcases the latest technology to help farmers improve production and farm more profitably.…
Hancock County Farmer Discusses Stress and Mental Health
Jonathan Sparks, Hancock County farmer and Indiana Farm Bureau Board Member talks about some of the unique stressors of farming and how this can impact the mental health of farmers. He says, “Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on occasionally. Well, maybe not everyone, but most. My point to my fellow farmers is talk to…

Purdue Farm Stress Team Member Says Communication is an Essential First Step in Dealing with Stress
Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team Member Tonya Short discusses issues facing farmers in this article published by Hoosier Ag Today. She stresses that finding someone to talk to is a key first step in addressing a problem with stress. This may be family or friends but sometimes it may be helpful to find professional support.…