The American Psychological Association finds the degree of stress placed upon farmers so unique it has given it its own name, “Farmer Stress.”
Facing stressors such as weather, commodity prices and debt loads, farmers operate at a level of stress beyond the normal population. The uncontrollability of these problems amplifies their negative impacts. In extreme cases, producers even begin doubting themselves.
When we see operators ruminating upon these negative outcomes, we know they have captured their attention, dangerously blinding them to other issues affecting them.
The more of this rumination that occurs the more vicious the producers’ internal story becomes.
Fight or Flight
At the bottom of such a vicious cycle, the brain enters a flight or fight mode. Turning off and diverting resources from the portions of our brain related to critical thinking, it instead shunts attention toward the emotional “reptilian” centers of the brain. With the death of these critical thinking centers comes an increase in committed errors, physical exhaustion, and cognitive decline. This decline can easily become the equivalent of a full night of sleep deprivation.
Researcher Anandi Mani’s 2013 landmark paper, “Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function,” shows us the negative impacts of finances on physiologic stress as well as cognitive function. Neuroscientists add that exposure to chronic stress, such as Farmer Stress, can reduce brain mass. The cumulative effect results in even less future capacity for critical thinking and decision processing.
Producers must not only seek to manage stress in the long term but also find ways to mitigate its current effects on their operation in the short-term as well.
Build a Network
To overcome this challenge, farming must follow the words of Robin Abrahams, “Have faith, but confront reality.”
If producers accept there is no way to completely avoid Farmer Stress, then they must find ways around it. This means building a network of individuals and systems that help them avoid negative biases and intellectual handicapping.
Producers can accomplish this by surrounding themselves with individuals who are not stressed or biased and have the best interests of their business at heart. The good news is most operations have already hired these individuals; they are the producer’s team of consultants. During times of high stress, a qualified veterinarian, nutritionist and consultant team can aid and even control the decision-making process. These individuals will not be swayed by the same seasonal impacts that may briefly stunt a producer’s thinking. They will be able to ask the right questions and help find the right solution.
Building this team will require investments of time on the producer’s part. Think of it as a vaccine against the detriments of stress. By finding people who understand and share a common vision, you will be better able to serve your business even in the moments when you’re mentally unable to. This spring consider letting someone else help shoulder the burden of your next difficult decision.
