Resource Details
Identifying Financial Stress in Farmers and Ranchers: A Guide for Families, Friends, and Agricultural Community Stakeholders
University of Arkansas
Erica Barnes Fields, Ron Rainey
Since 2021, farmers and ranchers have faced mounting financial stress due to high input costs, low commodity prices, and rising debt—drawing comparisons to the 1980s Farm Crisis. This pressure not only threatens livelihoods but also deeply impacts mental health, with farmers experiencing significantly higher rates of depression and suicide. Contributing factors include loss of identity, lack of control, rural isolation, and generational ties to land, making early intervention, compassion, and access to support services critical to preventing crisis and saving lives.
Topics: Asset Protection