Tools for Tough Seasons (Stress, Family & Life)

Getting Through Tough Seasons on the Farm

Every farm hits tough stretches.

Weather. Markets. Family stress. Burnout.

Sometimes it all stacks up at once.

This isn’t about fixing everything overnight—it’s about finding ways to get through.

When stress shows up at home and on the farm

Stress doesn’t stay in one place.

It shows up in:

• Family conversations

• Decision-making

• Motivation

• Day-to-day interactions

That’s normal—but it’s also something you can work through.

A few things that can help

You don’t need a big plan. Start with something small:

• Take a step back before reacting

• Have the conversation you’ve been avoiding

• Break big problems into smaller decisions

• Pay attention to how stress is showing up

Real-world tools & perspectives

• Mental Health Resources Make a Difference for Farm Families (Successful Farming)

• ‘Ask for help’ mental health and stress tips for farmers (AgDaily)

• Farm Foward Conversations: Unpacking Family Dynamics and Farm Transitions (Uplevel Dairy Podcast)

• AgriMindset Webinar: Farm Transition, Bridging the Generational Gap (April 15, Compeer)

• "The Recovering Farmer" Gerry Freisen (The Rural Well podcast)

• Step-Parenting (The Rural Well podcast)

• The View on Succession Planning (The Rural View Podcast)

  
  

Practical safety steps

• Drug Take Back Day (April 25): Too often, unused and expired medications find their way into the wrong hands. That's dangerous and often tragic. Bringing unused and expired medications to a Drug Take Back Day collection site protects you, your family, and your community.

• Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits are a safe way to get rid of your unwanted or expired medications! Remember, you should never flush or throw away any over-the-counter or prescription medication. Find locations in Sauk County to pick one up today for free.

• Free harm reduction supplies available throughout Sauk County: Find narcan nasal spray, at-home medication disposal kits, mental health and substance use resources near you.

You don’t have to figure it all out today

Just take one step.

That’s enough.

💛 About Farmer Angel Network

Farmer Angel Network exists to connect farmers and rural families with support, resources, and each other.

Sometimes that starts with a conversation.

Sometimes it starts with showing up.

Either way—you don’t have to do it alone.