Farm Well - Building Farmer Mental Health and Resilience
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Jennifer Bearden
Agriculture Agent
UF/IFAS
Crestview
Abstract
Florida’s agricultural sector is a major contributor to the state’s economy, yet farmers face stressors that affect both productivity and personal well-being. A statewide needs assessment identified five primary categories of stressors impacting producers: environmental, production, financial, health, and policy. To address these challenges and support the mental health of agricultural producers, the Farm Well initiative was developed through a multidisciplinary team of professionals representing all Extension program areas.
Program activities focused on building the capacity of Extension agents and farm-facing organizations to recognize and respond to mental health challenges within the agricultural community. Evidence-based trainings (QPR and MHFA) were delivered to farmers, Extension faculty, first responders, and agricultural stakeholders to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. Producers were connected with Family and Consumer Sciences agents trained as Accredited Financial Counselors to address financial stress associated with income loss, natural disasters, and industry changes such as paper mill closures. Partnerships with Florida A&M University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law provided training and legal assistance on heirs’ property issues, succession planning, and estate development. Additional outreach included the Farm Well Summit and the University of Kentucky’s BARN (Bringing Awareness Right Now) Dinner Theater, which engaged 4-H youth who incorporated QPR principles into theatrical presentations and facilitated community discussions. External agriculture industry partnerships supported funding and program delivery.
Farm Well reached nearly 500 growers, agricultural professionals, and community members and expanded mental health education across 42 of Florida’s 67 counties. Approximately half of Family and Consumer Sciences agents completed mental health training, strengthening Extension’s ability to identify potential crises and connect individuals with appropriate resources. Participants reported improved stress-management skills, greater willingness to discuss mental health, and increased awareness of suicide prevention resources. Follow-up evaluations showed that 61% of participants encountered someone experiencing a mental health challenge after training and many applied learned skills, including listening non-judgmentally (83%), initiating mental health conversations (70%), and encouraging professional help (61%). These results demonstrate that Farm Well strengthened community capacity to support farmer well-being while fostering partnerships that continue to sustain mental health outreach in Florida’s agricultural communities.
Authors: Jennifer Bearden, Kendra Hughson, Jill Breslawski, Ethan Carter
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Jennifer Bearden Agriculture Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32539
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Kendra Hughson FCS Regional Specialized Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32351
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Jill Breslawski FCS Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32539
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Ethan Carter IPM Regional Specialized Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32448