Recognizing Symptoms Of Stress During Farming Challenges

Jul 26, 2017

By Andrea Bjornestad

Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist

Farming can be a life full of joy, love, heartache, and challenges. Many aspects of the job are beyond a farmer’s control – market prices, government regulations, drought, and disease outbreak, to name a few. Combined with long hours and financial pressures, farmers can experience high levels of stress.

Stress Symptoms

Stress can impact all aspects of a farmer’s life. Symptoms of stress can differ from person to person. It is important to recognize when you are feeling stressed before the stress becomes chronic. The following include symptoms of stress:

Emotional:

Moodiness, Irritability
Anger
Feeling overwhelmed; lacking control
Difficulties relaxing; restless
Loneliness; avoidance
Feeling worthless; hopeless
Low self-esteem
Anxiety; panic

Physical:

Lethargic; body fatigue; lack of energy
Headaches
Gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea)
Aches and pains; tightness in muscles
Chest pain; rapid heartbeat; short breathing
Too much sleep or too little sleep
Frequent colds or infections
Loss of interest in activities; sex
Nervousness; anxiety
Dry mouth; difficulties swallowing
Clenched jaw; grinding teeth

Cognitive:

Forgetfulness
Racing thoughts; lacks focus
Constant worrying
Poor judgment
Pessimistic

Behavioral:

Sleeping too much or too little
Eating too much or too little
Procrastination
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Nervous behaviors – nail biting, fidgeting, pacing

Managing Stress

From the list, how many symptoms are you currently experiencing? Once you have identified your symptoms of stress, it is important to try different stress management strategies to manage your stress. Here are some tips to help decrease stress:

Practice breathing and find inner peace. Some people find it helpful to learn and practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga. A mindfulness app might work for you (e.g. Headspace, Smiling Mind, iMindfulness, Mindfulness Daily).
Exercise regularly. Please visit our Health and Wellness page for tips and tricks on incorporating exercise into your daily routine. (See Fit on the Farm and Active in a Rural Community)
Eat Healthy. Try to choose fruits, vegetable, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. (See Mindful Eating)
Utilize effective time management. By managing your time wisely, you may feel less overwhelmed.
Engage in hobbies or interests. Your stress levels will be high if you do not make time to have fun.

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Agricultural Market Update: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions, and Weather Impacts

Welcome back to our channel where we provide comprehensive updates on the latest trends and changes in the agricultural sector. This week, we're looking at significant movements in grain prices, crop conditions, and the effects of weather patterns. Let's dive into the details:

Grain Price Decline Grain prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020, with December corn down 4.3% and November soybeans losing 3.1%. This decline is partly due to the beneficial moisture brought by Hurricane Beryl to the Midwest, which has improved crop conditions significantly. The USDA reported that corn and soybean crops are in their best condition in four years, contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Record Short Positions and Market Sentiment Fund traders have increased their net short positions in the corn market to a record level, with a net short of 347,000 contracts of corn. This reflects a bearish sentiment in the market, further influencing grain price dynamics. Similar selling trends were observed in soybeans and SRW wheat, indicating broad market caution.

Weather Impact and Forecast Hurricane Beryl has brought significant rainfall across Arkansas, Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois, with more expected over Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in the coming days. Despite this, the market is currently more focused on the moisture benefits rather than potential heat risks forecasted in the 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.

US Crop Conditions Corn and soybean conditions have shown slight improvements last week, with corn rated 68% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. These are among the best ratings for this time of year since 2020, suggesting robust crop health that could continue to influence grain prices.

Winter Wheat Harvest and Spring Wheat Conditions The US winter wheat harvest is progressing well, ahead of schedule with significant portions already harvested in Kansas and Texas. Spring wheat conditions are also favorable, with 75% rated good to excellent, although there have been some declines in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington. Brazil's Corn Harvest and US Exports Brazil's second corn crop harvest is advancing rapidly due to favorable hot and dry conditions, with 63% of the crop already harvested. Meanwhile, US corn shipments saw a substantial increase last week, indicating strong export demand, which contrasts with the recent drop in domestic grain prices.

Ongoing Developments Lastly, the USDA reported a flash sale of corn, with significant quantities sold to unknown destinations, scheduled for delivery over the next two marketing years. This could signal ongoing international demand for US corn despite lower prices.

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?? Join the Conversation: How do you think these developments will impact global agricultural markets? What are your views on the current weather patterns affecting crop conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your input is crucial for our discussions.