Ohio's Farmers Are Facing Struggles

A report sheds new light on an old vocation

Why Agriculture Matters

On the Miami County Courthouse in downtown Troy, there are five statues. Along with Lady Justice, the other four statues represent those aspects of local life that were important when the courthouse was built back in the 1800s, they represent transportation, education, industry and agriculture. And just as those aspects were important to local life over a century ago, they still apply today, especially agriculture.

And it’s more than just crops and cows. There is a growing agro-tourism angle to Miami County where local farms are seen as places to visit and experience rural life. Food processing is a large part of the county’s industrial base. Clubs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America, still play critical roles in developing character and skills in our county’s students. Agriculture touches are lives here in Miami County each and every day.

It was with that background, that a report recently put out by the Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance, caught attention as it discussed some of the mental health struggles of this important part of our local economy.

The Ohio Farmer Stress and Wellbeing Report provides a comprehensive overview of the mental health challenges faced by farmers in Ohio. It’s important to dive into the report and gain a better understanding of the mental health of a line of work, that is often misunderstood by those that aren’t working in it.

Survey Background and Methodology

The Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance (OAMHA) conducted this survey to assess stress levels and coping mechanisms within Ohio's farming community. The alliance, comprising various agricultural and mental health organizations, designed the survey to identify areas where resources are most needed and to ensure effective support for communities in need.

The survey collected 460 responses from across 80 of Ohio's 88 counties, with a focus on farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers. Respondents were primarily white, married, and well-educated, with over half possessing a 4-year college degree or higher. The majority were directly involved in farming, with field crops and livestock being the most common commodities produced.

Farm-Related Stressors and Satisfaction

The report highlights several significant stressors affecting Ohio farmers. The cost of farmland, farm inputs (such as feed, seed, fertilizer, and pesticides), and concern over the future of farming emerged as the top stressors. Over 85% of respondents identified these factors as moderately to very stressful. These financial pressures underscore the economic challenges faced by farmers in maintaining viable operations.

Despite these stressors, farmers found satisfaction in certain aspects of their work. The ability to be one's own boss, farm production/yield, and spending time with family were rated as the most satisfying elements of farming. However, the cost of farm inputs, net farm income, and commodity prices received the lowest satisfaction ratings, aligning with the identified stressors.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The survey reveals a complex picture of mental health among Ohio farmers. While three-quarters of respondents reported positive perceptions of their overall mental wellbeing, a significant minority indicated struggles. Nearly a quarter of respondents described their mental wellbeing as "Fair" or "Poor".

The impact of poor mental health on daily functioning was notable. On average, respondents reported that mental health issues interfered with their work or usual activities for 4.2 days out of the past 30. More concerning, about 10% of respondents were severely affected, with mental health issues disrupting their activities for 14 or more days in the past month.

Anxiety and Depression

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) results provide further insight into the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Ohio farmers. While two-thirds of respondents showed minimal or no symptoms, a third scored in the moderate to severe range for anxiety and/or depression. Specifically, 42.2% of respondents showed significant symptoms of anxiety, while 28.2% exhibited significant symptoms of depression.

These findings highlight a substantial portion of the farming community experiencing mental health challenges that may require intervention or support. The higher prevalence of anxiety compared to depression suggests that uncertainty and worry about various aspects of farming life may be particularly impactful on mental health.

Resilience and Protective Factors

The report acknowledges several protective factors that can contribute to farmers' resilience and wellbeing. These include a strong sense of purpose, close family connections, community support, adaptability, connection to nature, and faith-based or spiritual communities. The Response to Stressful Experiences Scale Brief (RSES-4) was used to measure resilience, though specific results were not provided in the excerpt.

Implications for our Future

In the end, the report provides valuable insights for policymakers, mental health professionals, and agricultural organizations. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the specific stressors and mental health challenges faced by farmers.

Financial pressures emerge as a primary concern, suggesting that economic support programs and financial management resources could be beneficial. Additionally, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms indicates a need for increased access to mental health services in rural areas, potentially through telehealth options or on-farm outreach programs.

The report also highlights the importance of building on existing protective factors within farming communities. Initiatives that strengthen family and community connections, promote adaptability in the face of changing agricultural conditions, and leverage farmers' connection to nature could enhance resilience and wellbeing.

Finally, the findings suggest a need for destigmatizing mental health issues within farming communities. Educational programs that normalize discussions about mental health and stress management could encourage more farmers to seek help when needed.

Farm Families….. More Like Us Than We Think

Personally, I found the report fascinating. I have known some farmers. Many of whom are very quiet and spend most the time talking about the weather, which is understandable when your product depends a great deal on what, or what doesn’t, fall from the sky.

And while farming is a difficult and dangerous job, there is no doubt that the vocation gets romanticized. Rural life is seen as a simpler and disciplined lifestyle, being in nature every day gives the lifestyle a certain degree of desire over being in the built environment of our cities.

But the report showed that many of the mental health struggles that face individuals and families in more suburban communities are also faced by those that live on farms.

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