Who Do Farmers Trust? Identifying Farmer Support Systems During Times of Stress and Suicide Risk

Abstract

Farmers experience high stress and elevated suicide risk. Using surveys distributed at a regional agricultural exposition, our study identified those who are closest to farmers and trusted during times of high stress, and how to communicate stress-related information to farmers. We found farmers were most likely to trust spouses, other farmers, friends, and faith leaders and preferred information from other farmers, agricultural publications, social media, churches, and Extension offices. Farmers and non-farmers differed significantly in views on these questions. This work identifies potential partners for Extension programming on farmer stress, highlighting the importance of including farmers in program development/delivery.