Do you ever notice how the busiest times on the farm also seem to bring the heaviest stress? Long days, unpredictable weather, financial pressures, and the weight of getting things right for both the family and the business—it can all take a toll. And it’s not just farm owners who feel it. Employees experience that same pressure, especially during harvest and planting seasons. So how do you, as a leader, support your team’s mental wellbeing while keeping the farm running strong?
Why Mental Health Matters in Agriculture
Farm work is demanding—physically and mentally. Long hours, tough conditions, and the unpredictability of markets and weather create a perfect storm for stress. Unlike some industries, agriculture doesn’t have much downtime, and when things peak, there’s often no way to slow down. It’s no surprise that stress, anxiety, and burnout can creep in quickly for both farm owners and employees.
How Stress Affects Your Farm Workforce
Stress doesn’t just live in someone’s head—it shows up in their work. Tired employees make more mistakes, communication breaks down, and morale drops. In family operations, that stress can also spill over into personal relationships. Ignoring mental health doesn’t make the problem go away; it usually makes it worse. That’s why being proactive matters.
Practical Steps for Supporting Employees’ Mental Wellbeing
Supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t mean you need to become a counselor. It’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Encourage open communication: Let your employees know it’s okay to talk about stress or challenges, and make time to listen.
- Model balance when possible: Even during busy seasons, demonstrate the importance of rest, hydration, and taking breaks.
- Watch for warning signs: Changes in behavior, fatigue, or withdrawal can be signals that someone is struggling.
- Connect to resources: Provide access to local mental health hotlines, employee assistance programs, or community support groups if available.
- Acknowledge the workload: Sometimes simply recognizing that the season is tough goes a long way in helping employees feel understood.
Clear expectations and thorough training help reduce stress for both new and experienced employees. Learn more in Training New Farm Employees Best Practices.
UnCommon Farms Family Farm Mental Health Assistance
At UnCommon Farms, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farm families, employees, and their loved ones is a priority. Members have access to multiple resources, including educational sessions at conferences, peer support groups, and training events focused on stress management and mental health in agriculture.
We also provide free, confidential access to a Family Assistance Program (PAS) for all farm members, their employees, and families. PAS offers short-term counseling and practical support for challenges such as stress, anxiety, family issues, grief, or financial and legal concerns. When additional help is needed, PAS can provide referrals to local mental health resources.
Why Supporting Mental Health on Farms Makes a Difference
When farm leaders take mental health seriously, employees notice. It builds trust, strengthens retention, and helps your team perform better when it matters most. More importantly, it shows that your farm values people—not just production.
Supporting employees through stressful seasons may also involve addressing conflicts or challenging behaviors. For tips on handling difficult situations while keeping your team motivated, see How to Manage the Difficult Farm Employee.
United States (24/7 unless noted):
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988; chat at 988lifeline.org
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Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7)
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Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988, then Press 1; or text 838255, veteranscrisisline.net
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Farm Aid Hotline – 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243), live support Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm ET (English & Spanish hours), farmaid.org
Canada (24/7 unless noted):
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Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line – 1-800-667-4442, farmstressline.ca
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Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services – 1-866-367-3276, supportline.ca
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Ontario Farmer Wellness Initiative – 1-866-267-6255 (24/7 access)
The Bottom Line: People-First Approach to Farm Workforce Management
Stressful seasons are part of farm life, but burnout doesn’t have to be. By checking in, offering support, and reminding employees that their wellbeing matters, you not only protect your team—you protect the long-term health of your operation. Farming will always be demanding, but with a people-first approach, it can also be sustainable.
UnCommon Farms partners with family farms to provide the tools they need to grow and thrive in today’s market. For more tips on managing your farming operation, visit our blog.
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