As harvest season begins, many of us in the farming community are entering one of the most stressful times of the year. The long hours, unpredictable weather, and financial pressures can take a toll on not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. Farmers, like anyone else, are not immune to anxiety, depression, or burnout, yet we often feel the weight of these burdens in silence.
It’s crucial for all of us — farmers, families and our rural communities — to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical safety during harvest. The isolation that can come with the job, combined with the intense demands of the season, can make it difficult for farmers to reach out for help. However, it’s essential to remember that no one is alone, and there are resources available to support mental wellness.
In fact, Ohio State University Extension offers a dedicated website, u.osu.edu/farmstress, where farmers can find critical support. Whether you need to speak to someone immediately, find a counselor familiar with agriculture-related issues, or access mental health hotlines, this site is designed to connect farmers with the help they need, when they need it most.
Programs like the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Farm Stress Awareness Initiative and various local mental health organizations also offer support tailored to the unique challenges farmers face. Additionally, the Portage County Farm Bureau is working to raise awareness about mental health and to connect farmers with resources that can make a real difference during harvest time and beyond.
If you’re a farmer struggling under the weight of harvest, or if you know someone who is, it’s OK to ask for help. Mental health should never be put on the back burner. Together, as a community, we can ensure that everyone has the support they need— because healthy farms start with healthy farmers.
Kelsea Jenkins,
Brimfield
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