Farm Work: Identifying and Managing Challenges and Stress

by Kearyn Nelsen

May 2026

Farming is a way of life in North Dakota – built on hard work and determination. According to state data, every year $43 billion dollars of farm products come out of North Dakota and $10 billion is paid to nearly 125,000 farm workers.

Nearly every farm owner, operator, and worker in the state knows the work is rewarding – but sometimes comes with some pretty tough challenges: expensive equipment breaks down, long workdays getting the crop in and getting it out, and financial worries with changing markets and weather. Because all these challenges can wear a person down, it can be helpful to take a moment to recognize how they impact the body and mind and to think about what might help lessen these effects.

How does the stress of these challenges impact the body? Sometimes it's hard to admit feeling overwhelmed, but stress can show up anyway. Sometimes it'll appear as small changes – like becoming less focused or a bit more careless than usual. Someone who is typically very careful may start to make small mistakes, which can increase the risk of a close call – or even worse, an injury when working around equipment or livestock. Sleeplessness, appetite changes, or frequent aches and pains may also begin to appear.

Stress can also affect brain health. Tasks that once felt manageable may start to feel overwhelming and the enjoyment that many farmers find in their work – or visiting with neighbors and friends – may begin to fade. Changes in mood and relationships aren't simply signs of working hard, they can be warning signs that stress is becoming more than just a "tough season." Recognizing these signs early is an important step in taking care of personal health and, in turn, taking care of the farm.

With that in mind, it's also important to consider what feels like a challenge to one person may feel like real "stress" to another. Experts suggest practical ways to help either situation. For example, reaching out to a neighbor for a helping hand. Or a trusted healthcare provider who can listen, give advice, and or help make an appointment with a specialist who understands how things work in farming.

Another confidential route of assistance can be a private moment in a private place to call or text 988, the free phone number that's answered by counseling experts. Actually, anyone worried about how farm challenges are affecting a loved one or friend can also call 988 for advice. The North Dakota Ag Department also offers other types of related assistance and the information on its website by looking up Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance.

Taking care of the people who run North Dakota's farms is just as important as taking care of the land itself. Farming is hard work, but no one has to carry challenges alone. Paying attention to how stress affects both body and mind and reaching out for support when needed can help people stay healthy for the long seasons ahead.

About the Author

Leeds, North Dakota, native Kearyn Nelsen is a 3^rd year occupational therapy student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Collaborating in a special program to develop resources for rural North Dakotans, she's also participating in the Targeted Rural Health Education project that focuses on writing health information articles to share with the state's rural newspaper readers. The information here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of previous medical advice provided by a licensed provider.