COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance (OAMHA) has unveiled the findings of a survey aimed at understanding and improving mental health support for Ohio’s farmers and their families. The initiative seeks to equip agricultural communities with the necessary tools to manage stress effectively.
Over 600 individuals participated in the anonymous survey, which included questions about demographics, farm-related stressors, mental health perceptions, feelings of loneliness, and access to mental health services. Responses came from participants across 80 Ohio counties.
Key findings from the survey include:
- The primary stressors affecting farmers were identified as the rising costs of farm inputs, fluctuating market prices for crops and livestock, and expensive farmland.
- A significant 39% of respondents rated their mental well-being as “Very good or Excellent,” while 38% described it as “Good,” indicating that three-quarters of respondents hold a positive view of their overall mental health.
- However, 23% expressed negative perceptions of their mental well-being, and 10% reported that mental health issues hindered their ability to work for at least 14 days in the past month.
- Loneliness emerged as a major concern, with half of the respondents scoring as likely to experience feelings of isolation.
- Additionally, 44% indicated they had felt the need for mental or emotional health care in the past year, with half of those not receiving the necessary support.
The OAMHA comprises various state agencies and organizations dedicated to improving mental health in the agricultural sector, including AgCredit, Ohio Farm Bureau, and The Ohio State University.
Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, noted that while there are positive signs of growing awareness regarding farm stress, the results indicate further efforts are necessary to promote mental wellness in agriculture. “These conversations are critical for ensuring that rural Ohio has the resources to support those in need,” he said.
Ohio’s agricultural sector is the state’s largest industry, employing one in eight residents and encompassing 76,500 farms across over 13 million acres.
The data from this survey has been analyzed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Ohio State University, who will work together to determine where resources are most needed.
For additional information, the ODA’s Got Your Back campaign offers resources aimed at reducing mental health stigma in agriculture. Individuals in crisis are encouraged to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for confidential support and local resources.