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From Risk to Resilience: Mental Health Support in Agriculture

Angela Shea

Summary

Farming is a high-risk occupation not only in terms of physical safety, but also for mental health. This project addresses human risk in agriculture by focusing on farmer mental health, stress, and communication. Through a series of six training sessions led by a licensed mental health professional, this initiative aims to increase farmers’ understanding of stress, mental health risk factors, and practical coping strategies, while strengthening awareness of and access to mental health resources.

At least sixty Vermont farmers will participate in the trainings and will be supported in identifying and implementing stress management strategies, connecting with mental health resources, and reaching out to Farm First for additional support. Participants will also be encouraged to share information and resources with peers, extending the impact beyond direct attendees.

Four of the six trainings will be hosted on working farms by members of Farm First’s Farmer Peer Network, a group of 15 Vermont farmers trained in active listening, problem-solving, resiliency-building, de-escalation, confidentiality, and navigation of farm-specific resources. These peer hosts play a critical role in reducing stigma and normalizing mental health maintenance within farming communities. Two additional trainings will be offered remotely to increase accessibility for farmers who face geographic, transportation, or time barriers.

Each session will incorporate facilitated discussion with local farmers before and after the training to enhance relevance, engagement, and practical application. This project demonstrates a community-based, peer-supported approach to addressing mental health risk in agriculture and highlights the value of integrating professional expertise with trusted farmer networks.

Details

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