Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry but it can also be stressful for those who work in it. To address this, the University of Georgia Extension is hosting its annual Farm Stress Summit Wednesday — for the first time, in North Georgia. 

The summit builds off research that shows a need for better resources to address physical and mental well-being for farmers.

“We have a lot more Georgia data to lend and touch on than we did at the beginning,” said Mark McCann, assistant dean for the University of Georgia extension office

A study published in 2019 showed an increased risk of suicide among Georgia farmers, many of whom said they wouldn’t know how to manage suicidal ideation. 

Subsequent research done by surveying farmers show top stressors include weather events such as hurricanes, unexpected financial burdens and work/life balance. 

Georgia’s Behavioral Health Commissioner Kevin Tanner will give the keynote at the summit this year. 

McCann said the summit, this research and partnerships between the university and state agencies have made it easier to talk openly and get help. 

“When we say, ‘Well, how's everyone's mental health? How are they coping with this?’ It becomes a lot more of the conversation than it did just five or six years ago,” McCann said. 

That may be especially important this year. Net farm income is projected to hit a record two-year decline since the 1980s, due to lower crop prices and high production costs. 

“That just sort of cast a cloud,” said McCann. The projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows corn and soybeans will bring in 10-14% lower than last year, with milk, eggs and cattle receipts also expected to dip.

Tags: UGA  georgia farmers  georgia agriculture  Mental Health  health  health  Georgia