Fighting the Silence
The Mental Strain of Modern Farming and How We Can Rebuild
We’ve taken some blows, haven’t we?
If you’re still standing, if you haven’t thrown in the towel, or worse, you’re probably wondering what the hell comes next.
How do we pick up the pieces and move forward when everything seems stacked against us?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: farming isn’t just a job. It’s a crucible. It’s a relentless test of endurance, sanity, and sheer will. But it’s also our life, our legacy, and, for many of us, the only thing we’ve ever known.
Last week, I exposed the brutal reality that farming is not just a game of chance—it’s a full-on fistfight with fate.
My dive into farming’s dark side sparked a buzz in the ag community and led to a discussion with my pal Kevin from The Farmer Magazine. We discussed the mental health strain farming takes on people and ideas for reversing such a grim trend in agriculture.
If you missed last week’s post, click the link below, but y’all come back now, hear?
Weathering the Storm
We’re trapped in the belly of the beast, riding a shitstorm straight into financial hell.
The dark underbelly of farming is clear. Last week’s article struck a chord, confirming I’m not alone in feeling this creeping malaise.
It’s out there. I feel it. You feel it.
So, what can we do? How do we keep going without losing our minds?
That’s what we’re here to figure out.
I wanted to investigate what brought us here: dredge through the seed bank, uproot the pain and the fungi feeding the monster haunting agriculture, and try to figure out ways to strike back.
Why Mental Health is Such a Challenge for Farmers
We don’t talk about it much—hell, we hardly do—but farming’s not just tough on the body; it grinds down the soul.
"Don’t be such a pussy" was the elders' rallying cry.
We’ve been taught to grin and bear it, to keep our heads down and our mouths shut.
But now isn’t the time to stay quiet.
It’s time to face facts: bottling up farming's mental toll is killing us, and we need to do something about it.
The Isolation Factor
You know the feeling.
You’re out there in the field, just you and the wind, and it’s like the world’s forgotten you exist.
It might seem peaceful, but it’s a lonely kind of peace that seeps into your bones. Days blur into weeks, then months, with only your thoughts to keep you company—and they’re not always kind.
That isolation digs in deep, sinking its claws into your mind, turning quiet moments into a breeding ground for doubt, fear, and despair.
And once that fear grabs hold, it’s a tough leech to shake loose.
I’ll never forget the fall of 2011.
It didn’t rain from September to November, and we worked nonstop, going round and round in circles for what felt like an eternity. The monotony, the exhaustion—it nearly sent me straight to the loony bin. I was snapping at everyone—my boss, my friends—I was totally unstable.
I knew I was on the edge, teetering close to the point of no return.
Finally, I had to walk away. I left town for a weekend to clear my head and escape the demons twisting my reality. It was the only way to regain some sense of sanity before things spiraled out of control.
That weekend away didn’t solve all my problems, but it gave me the clarity I needed to keep going. It taught me that stepping back isn’t a sign of weakness but a necessary part of staying strong.
Today, I know that when the pressure builds, it’s okay to hit pause, reassess, and recharge.
That’s not giving up—it’s gearing up for the next round.
Looking back, I realize that my approach to mental health needed a shift.
What felt like a near-breakdown was actually a breakthrough—a wake-up call to prioritize my well-being. Now, I’ve made it a habit to check in with myself regularly, ensuring I don’t reach that breaking point again.
That experience taught me a hard lesson—sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back. I carry this lesson daily, ensuring I never let the farm or life push me past my limits again.
Economic Pressure
The financial side? That’s a whole other beast.
We’re stuck in a relentless cycle of debt and disaster with no clear way out. Every crop feels like a gamble, and the stakes get higher every year.
Even the best yields can’t save you when the market tanks.
From 2022 to 2023, Minnesota's farm income plummeted by 76%, a gut punch that goes beyond your wallet and impacts your entire way of life.
When your standard of living drops drastically, it’s more than a financial setback—it’s a mental battle. It’s like watching life unfold in reverse. Your progress unravels before your eyes.
The pressure to keep the farm afloat and make ends meet is enough to drive anyone to the brink.
And as if the financial strain isn’t enough, many of us also carry the weight of our family’s legacy.
Generational Burdens
And let’s not forget the weight of tradition.
Farming’s not just a job; it’s a birthright, a legacy passed down from generation to generation.
When you’re standing on land your grandpa bled to pay for, the thought of losing it isn’t just painful—it’s unbearable. It’s like failing your ancestors and your kids all at once.
The pressure to keep the farm going, to keep the land productive, and to pass it down in better shape than you found it is suffocating.
No wonder so many of us feel like we’re drowning.
Expectations in Farming Have Changed
Growing up in the '90s, no one expected to get rich from farming. If a farmer rolled into town with a new Silverado, he was the talk of the town for weeks.
Today, many of the hired hands drive new trucks.
The game has changed.
Increased volatility in commodity prices and a growing appetite for debt among newer generations have everyone clinging on, betting the farm on the next global conflict or natural disaster to boost wheat or corn prices.
Everybody hopes to ride the wave of the next financial bubble.
The stability of the past is gone, warping our expectations. It’s all about chasing bigger equipment, more land, and flashier toys.
It’s every man for himself.
Back then, my dad and his buddies picked up second and third jobs in the offseason, grinding to make ends meet. Today, it feels like we expect the good life to come without the sweat.
We’ve lost the grit that once defined us.
They say hard times create hard men. This downturn may bring the punch needed to alter our expectations.
Potential Solutions and Resources
Then there’s damn stigma.
It’s like we’re living in a time warp where admitting you’re struggling is still seen as a sign of weakness. We come from a long line of tough bastards who’d rather drop dead in the field than admit they need help.
So, what the hell do we do?
How do we break this vicious cycle and find a way to survive and thrive?
We need to talk about mental health—openly, honestly, and without shame—to truly begin supporting each other.
It’s not easy, and it sure won’t happen overnight, but there are steps we can take to protect ourselves, build resilience, and reclaim our lives from this relentless pressure cooker.
Building Resilience
First off, we need to talk about resilience.
It’s a buzzword nowadays, but it’s more than just a fancy term for toughing it out.
I know a farmer—we’ll call him Red—who’s been through the meat grinder more times than I can count.
Lost crops, lost land, lost loved ones. But every time, he finds a way to keep going.
How?
Red learned to roll with the punches. He doesn’t cling to the past or obsess over what he can’t control. He’s built a life that’s not just about farming but about living. He’s found hobbies, passions, and a community that gives him strength when the farm can’t.
Red has done the work. He’s learned that resilience isn’t just about facing big storms—it’s also about getting up every morning to face another day of challenges, whether dealing with a broken piece of machinery or finding creative ways to market your crops.
Resilience is looking the storm in the eye and saying, “You can’t break me.”
Practical Coping Strategies
We could all learn a thing or two from Red.
One of the biggest lessons?
You’ve got to find ways to cope—healthy ways. We’re not talking about hitting the bottle or working ourselves into the ground.
I’m talking about practical strategies that keep the darkness at bay.
Start with mindfulness. Yeah, I know, it sounds like some new-age hippy horseshit, but hear me out.
Mindfulness is a fancy word for paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body. It’s about being present and not getting lost in what could have been or what might be.
A few minutes a day can make a world of difference.
And then there’s stress management.
We all carry a load of it, but we don’t have to let its weight crush us.
When I sense myself going dark, I know the first thing I need to do is sweat.
Whether it’s a run with the dog, yanking weeds, or lifting heavy things.
Working my ass off turns the volume down on the rubbish and cuts down on the mind pollution.
Find what works for you—whether it’s exercise, talking to a friend, or just taking a damn break once in a while.
Your mental health is worth more than any crop.
Remember, your crops might feed the world, but your sanity keeps it turning.
Community and Connection
But the real game-changer? Community. It’s why I started writing this pamphlet last year.
We’ve got to stop going it alone.
When I was a kid, local farmers gathered at the grain elevators, service stations, and coffee shops to chew the fat. I miss those days—the camaraderie, the yield reports, the twisted jokes, the one-liners that drew a smile out of a guy down on his luck.
Some of my best memories are of a handful of guys laughing themselves to tears over something somebody said.
My grandpa’s generation had it, too, with groups like the Knights of Columbus and the Freemasons, where they built relationships and bonded with others in the community.
Today, organizations like that are as rare as a three-dollar bill. We’ve become so busy trying to escape it all that we’ve forgotten the basic human need to hang out with one another.
Farming is a solitary business, but that doesn’t mean we have to be solitary people. Reach out. Build connections with other farmers, neighbors, and people who get it.
There’s strength in numbers; sometimes, knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.
Online communities can be a lifeline, too. There are forums, Facebook groups, and even apps where farmers can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
It’s not the same as sitting down for coffee with a buddy, but it’s something—and it might be just what you need when you feel the lug nuts starting to buckle before the wheels let loose.
Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can make all the difference. If you’re struggling and don’t know where to turn, drop me an email at adam.kuznia@gmail.com.
I may not have all the answers, but I’m here to listen, and sometimes that’s the first step to feeling a little less alone.
What’s been your experience with isolation or stress on the farm? Share your story in the comments below. Your voice matters, and by sharing, you might help someone else going through the same thing.
Professional Help and Resources
And for God’s sake, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
We’re programmed with this idea that seeing a therapist or calling a hotline is a sign of weakness, but that’s bullshit. It takes guts to admit you need help and even more to go out and get it.
Local therapy shops have more people lined up at the door than a Chris Stapleton show but get on a waiting list if that’s what it takes.
I go to Beyond Therapy in Grand Forks, ND, in the offseason to have my foundation assessed for cracks.
Good people.
But they aren’t the only ones. Credible therapists are everywhere, and apps like BetterHelp are at the ready. A therapy appointment from the tractor is practical and simple, so saying we don’t have the time is no longer a credible excuse.
And if your first counselor is a total nut bar, pack up your thoughts and move on to the next one.
Finding a good therapist is like finding the right key to a stubborn lock—it might take a few tries, but when it clicks, everything starts to open up.
There’s no shame in talking to somebody. You’ve got to drain your mental bottle.
The stress we carry on our shoulders can hunch the strongest of backs if we don’t take the time to release it occasionally.
Financial Planning and Management
We need to get wise with our finances.
It is hard to accept that you might not be able to afford the things you once took for granted, but smart financial planning is where the shift happens.
The days of flying by the seat of our pants are over. We need to work with financial advisors who understand farming—people who can help us craft sustainable plans that account for market unpredictability.
Find creative ways to boost revenue.
Consider unconventional options like non-GMO soybeans, durum wheat, or chestnut trees, which offer premiums over standard rotations.
Partner with a forward-thinking agronomist or crop consultant willing to experiment with new technologies that maintain yields while reducing seeds and synthetic fertilizers.
Do something different.
We’re in an era where sticking to “what we’ve always done” won’t cut it. Those who survive this downturn—and thrive afterward—are the ones who aren’t afraid to take risks, even if it means the neighbors think they’ve lost their marbles.
Tidy up your balance sheet. Get lean.
Be proactive about managing debt. According to the USDA, the average farm debt in the United States has reached over $450,000, with more than half of all farms carrying debt. This kind of financial burden can quickly spiral out of control if not managed carefully.
Don’t wait until you’re drowning to ask for help. There are programs and resources, but you must reach out before it’s too late.
Support for the Next Generation
And we’ve got to do better for the next generation.
The young ones coming up—our sons and daughters, nieces and nephews—they’re watching us. They’re learning how to cope with this life by watching how we handle it.
We need to set a better example to show them that it’s okay to struggle, but it’s not okay to struggle alone.
Mentoring relationships can be a lifeline for younger farmers. If you’re a seasoned hand, reach out to the younger ones. Share your experiences, your wisdom, and your support. And if you’re a young farmer just starting out, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
We’re all in this together, and we’ve got to start acting like it.
Legislative and Industry Support
Finally, it’s time to put some pressure on the powers that be.
We need more than lip service regarding mental health support in agriculture.
We need honest, tangible action—more funding for mental health services in rural areas, more programs that support farmers in crisis, and more awareness from policymakers about the unique challenges we face.
Conclusion
Farming is more than a job; it’s our life, livelihood, and legacy.
It’s in our blood, woven into who we are.
But as much as we love it, we can’t let it consume us. Farming isn’t worth sacrificing our sanity, relationships, or lives. We’re more than just farmers—we’re fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends.
We’re weathering the storm right now, and we will survive. But survival alone isn’t enough. We need to plan for when the clouds break and it’s time to rebuild.
It’s time to find a new way forward—one that doesn’t just keep us alive but helps us truly live. We must be smarter, more resilient, and more connected than ever.
Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. Farm stress is a worldwide crisis.
Research from the CDC shows that the suicide rate among farmers is higher than in most other professions. We can’t ignore this any longer.
There’s hope—tangible hope for a future that looks different from the past but still holds promise. But no one can take that first step for you. You’ve got to reach out, speak up, and ask for help—before it’s too late.
As we navigate this storm, remember that our strength lies in our grit and the connections we build. Together, we can weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
As someone who’s lived this reality, I’m committed to continuing this conversation and supporting those who need it.
I said it last week, and I’ll repeat it again: Life goes on, even when the farm doesn’t.
Your worth isn’t tied to the land but to who you are and your impact on the world.
There’s still much more to write—more pages of joy, growth, and renewal.
Stay strong. The best parts of your story are yet to come.
Mental Health Resources for Farmers
Farm Aid
Description: Farm Aid offers a comprehensive network of resources, including a hotline, mental health support, financial counseling, and legal advice tailored to farmers.
AgriSafe Network
Description: AgriSafe provides various resources, including webinars, fact sheets, and support services focused on mental health and wellness in agriculture.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Description: A 24/7, free, confidential support line for distressed people. They also offer resources specifically for rural communities.
Financial Management Tools for Farmers
University of Minnesota Extension - Farm Financial Management
Description: This resource provides tools and information on farm budgeting, financial planning, and risk management tailored to Minnesota farmers but applicable nationwide.
Farmers.gov - Farm Loan Programs
Link: USDA Farm Loan Programs
Description: The USDA offers various loan programs to help farmers secure the capital to manage their operations, from buying equipment to improving land.
FINBIN - Farm Financial Benchmarking Database
Link: FINBIN
Description: A financial benchmarking tool for farmers to compare their financial performance with other similar operations. It offers valuable insights into managing farm finances more effectively.
Community and Connection Resources
Rural Minds - Community Support
Link: Rural Minds
Description: Rural Minds focuses on building awareness and providing resources for mental health in rural communities. They offer connections to local support groups and online forums.
Facebook Groups for Farmers
Description: A peer-to-peer support group on Facebook where farmers can share experiences, ask questions, and provide advice to each other.
Educational Resources and Webinars
National Farmers Union - Education
Description: Offers webinars, articles, and training on various topics, including mental health, financial management, and sustainable farming practices.
American Farm Bureau Federation - Rural Resilience Training
Description: Free online training designed to help farmers and their families manage stress and develop coping strategies.
Research and Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Rural Health
Description: Provides research and statistics on rural populations' health challenges, including health issues among farmers.
USDA Economic Research Service - Farm Sector Income & Finances
Description: Comprehensive data and analysis on farm income, debt levels, and financial performance across the United States.
These are very good pieces providing help to those who might need it. I wish you well in these trying times.