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Cultivating Resilience: How Minnesota’s Agricultural Mental Health Program is Supporting Farmers

Farming is more than a career – it’s a legacy, often passed down through generations, deeply interwoven with family, identity, and the land itself. But with this rewarding way of life comes an immense burden. The weight of unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets, and grueling hours can quietly take a toll, both physically and mentally.


For many in Minnesota’s agricultural community, stress is as much a part of the job as planting and harvesting. Yet, the resources to manage that stress often feel distant or difficult to access. In an industry where resilience is worn like armor, asking for help can sometimes feel like an admission of defeat.


Recognizing this reality, Minnesota’s Agricultural Mental Health and Wellness Program was born—a collaborative initiative supported in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota State Agriculture Centers for Excellence, and Region Five Development Commission (R5DC). The program offers vital mental health services to farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals, breaking down the barriers that often keep them from seeking support.


The Hidden Weight of the Farm

Farmers live with a unique kind of stress. Their livelihood depends on factors they cannot control—weather patterns, global commodity prices, and market shifts. One bad season or prolonged drought can ripple across an entire family’s finances and future.


So much of their day-to-day life is dictated by forces beyond their control,” says Monica McConkey, an agricultural mental health provider who has spent years working directly with Minnesota’s farmers and ranchers. “That level of uncertainty—when paired with long hours and physical exhaustion—can quietly lead to anxiety, depression, and relationship strain.”


Monica, who grew up on a family farm herself, understands the culture of agriculture intimately. “Farming isn’t just an occupation, it’s an identity. When things aren’t going well, it feels personal. That’s part of what makes it so hard to step away or ask for help.”


This mindset is part of why the Agricultural Mental Health and Wellness Program prioritizes ease and accessibility. There’s no insurance, no paperwork, and no formal diagnosis required. Farmers and their families can reach out for support without fear of judgment, expense, or bureaucracy.


Meeting Farmers Where They Are

One of the hallmarks of the program is its adaptability. Monica and her colleagues meet farmers on their own terms—sometimes at the kitchen table, other times over the phone, and often right there in the barn or field.


“Some farmers need just one conversation, a moment to vent and process. Others I work with weekly for months. The point is to make it simple. No hoops to jump through, no rigid structure—just someone who understands, listens, and offers support.”


For many, that first phone call can feel like the biggest hurdle. But once it’s made, the relief can be transformative.


The Importance of Stepping Away

Farmers are notorious for their work ethic, often pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. Taking a break—whether for an evening or an entire weekend—can feel indulgent or even irresponsible.


“It’s not in their nature to slow down,” says Keith Olander, Executive Director of AgCentric and a farmer himself. “But that’s exactly what many of them need. Even a small break can reset the mind and body, helping them return to the work with renewed energy.”


Keith emphasizes the importance of planning, not just in the field but in terms of personal well-being. “We talk a lot about 30-day plans—what needs to happen this month to get through the next. It’s about creating structure in a job that often feels chaotic.”


These small, tangible steps—whether making a short-term financial plan, taking a weekend off the farm, or practicing mindfulness—can have a profound impact on mental health. 


Facing the Financial Reality

For many farmers, financial strain is a major driver of stress. In difficult seasons, cash flow tightens, debt piles up, and hard decisions must be made. The program integrates resources through Farm Business Management, providing tools that help farmers benchmark their finances, plan for the future, and navigate tough economic times.


“When the numbers are tight, farmers can feel isolated, like they’re the only ones struggling,” Keith explains. “But when we show them how their operation compares to others—when they realize everyone faces similar challenges—it lifts some of that burden. They see they’re not alone.”


By mapping out finances and creating contingency plans, the program offers clarity and a sense of control—two things that often feel in short supply during difficult seasons.


A Culture of Quiet Strength

Perhaps the greatest message the Agricultural Mental Health and Wellness Program offers is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward resilience.


“Farmers are some of the toughest people out there,” Monica says. “But even the toughest among us need support sometimes. This program isn’t about fixing problems overnight. It’s about letting farmers know they don’t have to carry the weight alone.”


Through conversations, planning, and simple moments of connection, the program helps farmers weather not only the storms that hit their fields but also the ones that weigh on their minds.


For more information or to connect with mental health services, contact Monica McConkey at 218-280-7785 or Ted Mathews at 320-266-2390. Farmers can also call Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670. Because when farmers thrive, so do the communities that depend on them. 


The Agricultural Mental Health Program provides free mental health support to Minnesota’s farming community. It addresses key stressors such as financial pressures, unpredictable weather, family conflicts, and succession planning challenges, all of which significantly impact farmers’ mental well-being. In the 2023-2024 period, the prog



am offered over 1,000 sessions, helping individuals and families cope with rising anxiety, stress, and depression. The flexibility of the services, tailored to the unique needs of farm operators, has been instrumental in its success. Learn more at regionfive.org/local-foods.

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