Stress in Farm Country and Resources for Responders

This presentation was part of the 6th Annual Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Summit.

Farming is a stressful occupation. Farmers live where they work. Coworkers are often a spouse and/or other family members. Farmers often feel responsible for a lot and can control very little. This session will explore the some of the stressors in farming and the “culture of agriculture,” and will familiarize attendees with sources of help and support that are available in Minnesota agriculture.

Learning Objectives:
1) Explore the culturally specific factors that contribute to stress and stigma in farming and agriculture
2) Share resources responders can incorporate into safety and other plans
3) Share and discuss outreach strategies to reach this population

Content Level: General level: Covers crisis response basics and terminology. Advanced level: For experienced crisis responders diving deep into a topic. 

Presenter: Meg Moynihan, MS, Senior Advisor, Strategy & Innovation – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Bio: Moynihan focuses on emerging issues and leads the MN Department of Agriculture’s work on farm stress. She previously managed the MDA’s organic program, worked in the nonprofit and education sectors as a program director and evaluator, and served with the U.S Peace Corps-Thailand. Moynihan and her husband own and operate a diversified organic dairy farm in south central MN. In 2016, she took a leave of absence to run the farm single-handedly, giving her direct experience with the stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression that many farmers experience.