Ohio farmer mental health

Farming is more than an occupation; it’s a way of life. But it also comes with unique pressures that can weigh heavily on mental health. In southeast Ohio, there is a new Agriculture Navigator job position which is designed to help farmers face these challenges head-on. This role connects the farming community with vital resources, including mental health support, hazard surveys, succession planning, and assistance after farming accidents.

The need is urgent: male farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers had a suicide rate more than 50% higher than other occupations surveyed, according to a recent CDC study. Agriculture is one of Ohio’s top industries, yet the culture of self-reliance often discourages farmers from seeking help. Many feel that asking for support is “taking the easy way out,” but reaching out is a sign of strength.

Farmers face stressors beyond their control — equipment breakdowns, unpredictable weather, and environmental factors all add to the burden. While not everything can be controlled, mental health resources provide tools to process these challenges and find solutions. Having someone to talk to, whether through counseling, peer support, or community programs, can make a real difference.

When opportunities arise to voice concerns or complete surveys, participation is encouraged. Sharing experiences helps identify gaps, shape action plans, and strengthen advocacy for the farming profession. By speaking up, farmers not only help themselves but also build a healthier, more resilient community.

Ohio needs its farmers — and supporting their mental health is essential to sustaining both the industry and the people who make it thrive.

Resources:
  • Ohio’s Got Your Back (ADAMH Board & Ohio Department of Agriculture) – A statewide initiative offering stress management tools, peer support, and connections to professional help.
  • Togetherall (Ohio Pork Council) – An online peer-to-peer mental health support community, highlighted in the Ohio Farmer Mental Health Guide.
  • Farm Aid’s Farmer Hotline – Call 800-327-6243 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST) for confidential assistance with financial, emotional, or farm-related stress.
  • Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance (OAMHA) – A collaborative network connecting farmers with mental health resources, advocacy, and community support. [Ohio Farmer Stress and Wellbeing Report]
  • Agricultural Navigator (Noble & Guernsey counties) – Local navigators provide onsite hazard surveys, succession planning support, and mental health resource connections.
  • Check Your Fence, Check Your Neighbor Program – A community-based initiative encouraging farmers to look out for one another and connect neighbors with mental health support.
  • Facebook Community Resources local groups.

Find more resources at bwc.ohio.gov. Let’s work together to keep Ohio’s farm workers safe, healthy and thriving.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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