Doug Hoffman, Safety Director
Farming doesn’t come with a slow season anymore. Between unpredictable weather, market swings, equipment breakdowns, and long hours, stress can pile up. And while most safety talks focus on PTO shields and grain bin safety (which are still critical), we can’t ignore what’s going on between the ears. Mental health is just as important to farm safety as any piece of equipment.
Stress: The Invisible Hazard
Stress doesn’t always look like what we expect. It’s not always someone breaking down or waving a white flag. Sometimes it shows up in short tempers, trouble sleeping, pulling away from family and friends, or just a feeling of being stuck in the mud with no way out.
Farmers are some of the toughest people out there—but being tough doesn’t mean doing it alone. Stress left unchecked can affect judgment, reaction time, and decision-making. That’s when mistakes happen. And on the farm, even a small slip can turn into a big problem.
You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Out of Options
If any of this sounds familiar—for you, a neighbor, or someone in your family—the good news is, there’s help. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has pulled together a whole toolbox of resources just for farmers and rural communities. Their website (mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress) is a solid place to start.
Here’s what you’ll find there:
- Free and confidential 24/7 support through the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: 833-600-2670. You can call, text, or email.
- Farm Advocates who understand agriculture and can help you work through financial and legal stress.
- Counseling support, including short-term help at no cost.
- Stress management and wellness workshops designed for farmers and ag professionals.
It’s all confidential, and it’s all geared specifically toward rural life—so you don’t have to explain the unique challenges that come with farming. They already get it.
Keeping an Eye on Each Other
Chances are, someone you know is dealing with stress right now. Maybe they’re quieter than usual. Maybe they’ve been missing from coffee time or church. Don’t be afraid to check in. A simple “How’s it going?” can go a long way. And if they need more than a friendly chat, point them to the MDA site or offer to sit with them while they call the helpline.
It’s not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about letting folks know they don’t have to carry the load alone.
We talk a lot about safety in farming, but mental health has to be part of that conversation. The more we normalize talking about stress, the stronger our farm communities will be. So this spring, as you’re gearing up for another season, take a minute to check in with yourself and the folks around you. Safety starts with your head in the right place—and sometimes that means asking for a little help.
For more information and resources, visit:
mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress