Extension Farm Stress program offers tools, training, resources

For Michigan’s farmers, fall harvest is both the culmination of a year’s work and one of its most demanding stretches. Long hours, unpredictable weather and financial uncertainty can take a toll.

To support this important community, Michigan State University Extension’s Farm Stress program is helping farmers, families and agricultural professionals manage those pressures and strengthen their resilience.

“Farmers face unique challenges that can weigh heavily on mental health,” said Remington Rice, director of the program at MSU Extension. “Our goal is to make sure they have the tools and support they need to cope and keep going.”

Here, Remington explains the program’s purpose and shares tips for what farmers can do to protect their well-being.

What is the MSU Extension Farm Stress program?

The program provides resources and training to farmers, farm families and agricultural professionals. It offers in-person workshops, an online course, educational materials and referrals to local counseling and crisis services. The work focuses on helping people recognize signs of stress and respond in supportive, practical ways.

When and why was the program started?

The program began in spring 2016 after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development raised concerns about rising stress and suicide rates among Michigan farmers. MSU Extension launched “Communicating with Farmers Under Stress” that fall and added “Weathering the Storm” for farmers in 2018. The program grew from a clear, urgent and ongoing need.

What are the main challenges for farmers today?

Farmers face overlapping pressures: unpredictable and extreme weather, pests and disease, volatile markets, rising costs, debt, labor shortages, physical risks, family tensions and rural isolation.

Has farming always been stressful, or is it worse now?

Farming has always involved risk and hard work. What’s changed is the speed and scale of those risks. Markets move faster, costs spike suddenly and weather impacts are more frequent. Those forces make stressful periods more common and recovery harder. The good news is that more people now talk openly about behavioral health and seek help.

How does the program support farmers and families?

MSU Extension teaches people to notice signs of stress and start supportive conversations. Training sessions outline clear steps, model helpful language and connect participants to counseling, crisis services and local support networks. Partnerships with county offices and industry groups ensure help reaches communities statewide.

What free services and trainings are available?

• “Communicating with Farmers” trains agricultural professionals and community members to recognize distress and communicate effectively.
• “Weathering the Storm” focuses on farmers and practical coping skills.
• An online course, Rural Resilience,” which comes with printable materials, is available on the program’s website.

What can farmers do to manage stress during tough seasons?

• Reach out to friends in person or by phone.
• Share tasks with neighbors or family.
• Take short breaks each day and plan time off when possible.
• Move your body daily with light activity.
• Notice something that went well each day.
• Seek business or financial help early if problems feel overwhelming.

What are warning signs that someone might need extra support?

Behaviors that are red flags to look out for include major changes in routine, irritability, neglected work or self-care, changes in sleep or appetite, increased substance use, or talk of hopelessness. Trust your gut if something feels off. Check in, express concern and help connect the person to support.

How can friends and family help?

Show up, listen without judgment and offer tangible help — whether that’s running an errand, cooking a meal or lending a hand on the farm. If safety is a concern, ask directly about suicidal thoughts and help connect the person to care. Offer to make the call or accompany them.

Where can you go for help?

If someone is in immediate crisis or talks about suicide, call or text 988. For training, resources or local referrals, contact your county MSU Extension office.

To explore more health-related programs, visit the Virtual Health Programs Calendar, which offers in-person and online courses on managing stress and other health issues.