Agricultural Producers' Perceptions of Stressors: A Study on Controllability and Persistency

Farm stress negatively impacts agricultural producers’ (APs) physical and mental health. The average age of agricultural producers has increased in every USDA agricultural census since 1945, and the stressors may be either or both caused or exacerbated by increasing age. The Cooperative Extension Service is well-known for working with APs and is well-equipped to address these concerns for this aging population. To better understand farm-related stressors, this study examines APs’ and Extension agents’ perceptions of major stressors faced by APs. Focus groups were held to identify stressors and determine the controllability and persistency of those stressors. The mean age of the APs in the study was 56.3, reflecting the mean age of APs nationally. Results determined perceived controllability and persistency of stressors were similar among both groups. This data provides a foundation for continued education and programming on farm stress and may promote a more directed focus on farm and resource management among Extension agents as they work with APs.