Farm Stress
Farm Stress in the News
- The Work That Outlives Us: A Reflection on Farm Succession and Legacy in Skagit County On a Wednesday in early December, about thirty Skagit County farmers gathered at Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub. There was laughter, some weariness, and an unspoken gravity in the air. They […]
- Farm Stress & Suicide Prevention Impact Issue Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers experience disproportionately high levels of stress and suicide risk, driven by financial volatility, isolation, and market uncertainty, with limited access to culturally competent behavioral […]
- Historical Flooding in Western Washington – December 2025 Historical Flooding in Western Washington – December 2025 This past week, you may have seen news coverage about the severe flooding that occurred in Western Washington. This historical event hit […]
A Message from the National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention
Consider ways to encourage the public to be there for someone who might be struggling or in crisis. Some examples of how someone can #Bethe1to include:
- Check in with a friend by phone or text message to see how they are doing.
- Invite a friend to meet for coffee or to share a meal together.
- Send a handwritten card to let someone know you are thinking of them.
- Learn the risk factors and warning signs.
- Help connect someone who is struggling to professional care.
- Share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number at 988, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. For specialized care, military veterans may press ‘1.’ In addition, anyone can contact the AgriStress HELPLINE if you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474
We’re here to remind our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
In addition, anyone can contact the AgriStress HELPLINE if you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474
Agriculture Can Be Stressful- You’re Not Alone
Coping with Excessive Stress
Agriculture is known to be a dangerous occupation full of potential stressors like weather, changing economic markets and machinery breakdowns. When these start to compound many farmers experience excessive stress, making it hard to move forward to positive solutions.
Due in part to the stresses faced in farming, agricultural workers have high rates of suicide. This loss of parents, siblings, children and spouses can be avoided – if you or someone you know is experiencing excessive stress or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a confidential crisis support line.
Stress Management Tips
Upcoming Workshops and Training Announcements
There are several signs or symptoms to look for when stress has begun to take an effect on you or someone you know:
- Thoughts of hurting oneself
- Care of Livestock Declines
- Increase in Agriculture-Related Accidents
- Appearance of Farmstead Declines
- Children Show Signs of Stress
- Lack of energy/motivation to do usual tasks
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse/addiction
- Withdrawal from others
- Relational tension
We’re here to remind our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Additional Resources
AgriStress Helpline
AgriStress HelpLine is a free 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline designed for the agricultural community and their families.
If you or someone you know is struggling,
call or text 833-897-2474
Do you have agricultural related issues that are causing you stress?
Access the two resources below that can help:
Leading Partners in Washington State
WSU Agricultural Suicide Prevention Pilot Program is funded through the State of Washington, Department of Health under the provisions of House Bill 2671. If you would like to contribute to the work of raising awareness about excessive stress and suicide prevention in agriculture, please reach out to WSU Skagit County Extension.
This webpage is also supported by the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program, funded by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number: 2020-70028-32731 proposal number: 2020-07631.