Stress is a natural aspect of life, and farming is known to be one of the most demanding and high-risk professions. Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates that agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries in the U.S., with farmers facing some of the highest levels of work-related stress.
Everyone has their ways to handle routine pressures, but chronic stress can lead to burnout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolating yourself isn’t the answer. Seeking support shows strength, not weakness. Family and friends can be great confidants, or you might prefer speaking with a trusted friend, your doctor, or a pastor. Resources are available to help farmers manage stress and connect with support. Remember, the worst thing you can do is stay silent.
National crisis lines, hotlines, and resources
988: This has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since July 16, 2022, it became available to everyone across the United States.
1.800.950.NAMI (6264): The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline can be reached Monday through Friday, 10am-10pm E.T. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (62640); text “HelpLine” to 62640; email at helpline@nami.org; chat: nami.org/help
Text to 741741: The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential. Start your message with HOME or, START, or HELLO to get connected to a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
1.800.FARM-AID (1.800.327.6243): Farm Aid has resources and a hotline for farmer support. (This is NOT crisis line.) To talk to the Hotline Team directly, call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). The Hotline is answered Monday through Friday from 9am-10pm E.T. Hotline assistance is available in English and Spanish.
AgriStress Helpline (Call or text 833-897-2474): This is a free and confidential crisis and support line you can call or text 24/7. The helpline is answered by trained professionals with an understanding of agriculture related issues who can support/help you find mental resources in your area.
Resources Specific for New York State
NY FarmNet: NY FarmNet serves the needs of N.Y farms and farm families in dealing with their financial and emotional challenges. https://www.nyfarmnet.org/ To talk to someone directly, call 1-800-547-FARM
N.Y Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health: NYCAMH’s mission is “enhancing agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury and illness”. https://www.nycamh.org/
Rural Minds : This is a resource and referral service for farmers in NYS and beyond https://www.ruralminds.org/
A total of $850,000 is available through this program, with awards ranging from $5,000-$25,000 and $50,000-$250,000, based on project complexity. Applications will open October 25, 2024 and will be available through January 24, 2025. Questions regarding the Beginning Farmer Grant Program can be sent to New York Farm Viability Institute at arandolph@nyfvi.org.
The Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program is administered by the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC). Funding will be offered under the program name “Landing Access: Novel Directions (LAND) Project.” The LAND Project’s goal is to assist farmers who face disproportionate barriers to success due to discrimination. The program will award grants to for-profit business owners who experience discrimination by virtue of their membership in a particular group and whose ability to enter into farming or the success of their farm enterprise has been impaired due to disproportionate access to capital, credit opportunities or land, among other things. Applications open on December 30, 2024 and will be available through February 14, 2025. A total of $3.4 million is available to famers through this program, with grants of up to $5,000 offered in this first round of funding. Subsequent rounds of funding will offer awards of up to $250,000. Questions regarding the LAND Project can be sent to info@nylandproject.com.