Mental Health on the Farm: One Swine Production Manager's Story

Mental health affects how we think, feel and act — mental health is health.

By Emmalee Haege, senior production manager for The Maschhoffs

The agriculture industry has some of the most demanding jobs in the U.S., which are often compounded by economic uncertainty, weather events and isolation. In some rural agricultural communities, limited access to healthcare and mental health services makes it difficult for farm families to receive support when they are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health crises.

Mental health affects how we think, feel and act — mental health is health. Unfortunately, farming has one of the highest suicide rates of any professional industry. Addressing mental health challenges is critical so farmers can successfully navigate other stressors that are common in their day-to-day lives.

Recognize the Signs

Hit From Every Angle

Jacob Peak, production manager at The Maschhoffs, oversees 13 production partner sites, all of which are close in proximity. In October of 2022, disease pressure surged through the area creating an overwhelming complex and complicated situation.

As you might know, the porcine reproductive and respiratory (PRRS) virus can affect the health of pigs differently, and it can be detrimental to a farm or pod. In October, Peak’s portfolio was hit extremely hard. Of the 13 sites he over sees, 12 broke with a strain of PRRS that resulted in high mortality. The majority of the farms that broke were all market-size hogs. Within the month of October, Peak saw mortality on sites as high as 10% a week, and this mortality lingered until January.

Maintaining morale on farms was probably the hardest task. Jacob would walk barns with partners, encouraging the pigs to get up and move, but the activity level was extremely low. When the production partners would go in to pull mortality, it would take an entire day, and by the time they thought they were complete, there would be more to pull out. This happened day after day for months.

Not only was he faced with this daily, but he also has family who own two feeder-to-market barns in the same area. As expected, they were also struck by PRRS. Peak’s family was going through the same situation as his production partners. You could say he was hit from every angle, feeling the pressure day-in and day-out, and yet somehow held it together. There were many sleepless nights, worrying that he couldn’t do enough to help his production partners and family.

Reach Out

So, how did he get through this time? He kept calm, held his composure, and didn’t let this get the best of him. Naturally very independent, Peak realized he needed to reach out for support and leaned on his team leader, his peers and his family.

In trying times, farmers are always there, keeping food on our tables and filling store shelves. It’s a rewarding, yet stressful way of life that’s filled with uncertainty. For some, this can lead to anxiety and depression. Add busy, unpredictable days and it’s no wonder people have a hard time seeking the help they need. Unfortunately, there’s a stigma around mental illness and mental health issues in many agricultural communities. As a result, farmers might be reluctant to seek out information or services for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation or other mental health issues.

Although it might feel like it’s out of your comfort zone, start a conversation. You can help break the stigma. If you are experiencing negative feelings or know someone who is, talk about it and seek treatment and support.