Farming is more than a job — it’s a calling, a lifestyle, and often an identity passed down through generations.

Times are tough in agriculture. Resilience runs deep. But strength doesn’t mean carrying everything alone.

Cultivating Connection is about checking in on yourself, your neighbor, and the farmer down the road who may not say they’re struggling.

We can’t always save the farm, but we can save the farmer.

“Check the weather, check the markets, pay the land rent, order seed, contract next year’s crop, take the kids to the doctor…” 

The to-do list and bills can seem non-stop. In farming, there are a lot of factors out of your control. That can create stress that can potentially lead to serious impacts on your well-being. Check in on yourself, employees, neighbors, and loved ones. Staying connected to those around us is an important part of living well.  

As farmers, we pour everything into our land and livestock, but we are not always great at taking care of ourselves. It is also difficult to view ourselves as individuals, as opposed to extensions of the farm. In order to take care of others and tackle everything that meets farming head on, you must take care of yourself. Taking time to check in with yourself and evaluate your mindset isn’t selfish —  it’s critical. 

A healthy farm is nothing without a healthy YOU.   

Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Crisis

If a person talks about:

  • Harming themselves

  • Feeling hopeless

  • Having no reason to live

  • Being a burden to others

  • Feeling trapped

  • Feelings of crushing or unbearable pain


Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

  • Withdrawing from activities, loved ones, or friends 

  • Sleeping too little or too much 

  • Irritability 

  • Extreme mood changes, including extreme highs 

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs 

  • Displaying feelings of hopelessness 

  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain 

  • Saying there is no reason to keep going 

  • Worry of being a burden to others 

  • Entertaining thoughts of death 

Stress, depression, and suicide weigh heavily on the minds of agricultural communities, where economic, social, and environmental forces challenge the health and safety of farmers, agricultural workers and their families.

We know times are tough right now. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, addiction or other mental health challenges, you are not alone. Although asking for help can sound “easier said than done,” we encourage you to reach out.  Start with one person you know well and trust; allow help to come to you. 

Your mental health and wellness are important to us. The Louisiana Farm Bureau is a family: YOU are a vital member of our family and we are here to help.

The stress of working in agriculture can be high. For some, too high. Mental health struggles are unfortunately common for farmers and their families. Sadly, there's still a stigma on the subject. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, TWILA's Josh Meeks looks at the difficulties of falling into a dark place.