Addressing Farm Stress: Essential Insights for Agricultural Economists

ORCID

Buys: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8547-056X

MSU Affiliation

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Department of Human Development and Family Science; School of Human Sciences; Delta Research and Extension Center; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Creation Date

2026-01-29

Abstract

Farmers are uniquely experiencing the mental health crisis in the United States. Of all the occupations and industries in the United States, farming has the fourth highest rate of suicide among males (Peterson, et al., 2020). Although not necessarily the direct cause of suicide, risk factors like mental health challenges, social isolation, financial problems, substance misuse, physical injuries or illnesses, and job problems increase the risk of suicide (CDC, 2021). In addition, previous literature suggests that farmers who do not produce a profitable harvest are at greater risk of dying by suicide (Rosmann, 2010). Therefore, suicide risk among farmers is greater than in other occupations (Milner et al., 2013). This paper focuses on the stressors unique to farming, the connection between those stressors and negative health outcomes, and the need for a systems-change approach to address farmer stress and well-being. Figure 1 demonstrates the relationships between farm stressors, economic impacts, societal impacts, and farmer stress and well-being. While not all the responsibility of agricultural economists, understanding these relationships may help those in this profession better serve farmers.

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Publication Title

Choices Magazine

Publisher

Agricultural & Applied Economics Association

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