Financial stress on farms is often cited as the single biggest stressor for farmers and their families. The 2024 data shows farm bankruptcies are up 55 percent from 2023, a trend that should ring alarm bells not just for lenders. When a farm owner files Chapter 12 bankruptcy, it is considered an avenue of last resort short of liquidating all their assets and exiting the business.
The “western region” includes California and Nevada and tied with the Southeast for regional increases in bankruptcy filings at 55 percent. The west cannot point to poor commodity prices for soybeans, corn, and cotton for their farm economic woes, as none are major cash crops in the region. However, catastrophic wildfires throughout the state certainly effected both yield and crop quality between 2023 and 2024. Additional economic pressures include overtime pay requirements, a higher minimum wage than other ag-heavy states, and the constant threat of drought and/or lack of irrigation water availability.
These stressors make farm country a dangerous place to live and work, particularly right now.
So, as spring work progresses there are several signs to be on the lookout for:
- Isolation or withdrawal;
- Talking in a monotone voice or having a lack of expression;
- Outbursts of anger or abrasive behavior toward children or others;
- Confusion, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating;
- Blaming others, such as banks or spouses;
- Binge eating, gambling, spending, or drinking;
- Sleeping too much or not enough;
- Lack of pride in the way the farm buildings and grounds appear;
- Not caring for livestock; and/or
- More farm accidents.
If any of these signs arise, it might be time to reach out for help. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has resources available for farmers and farmworkers to support their mental health needs.
If a farmer or rancher is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, 9-8-8, offers support via call or text. To talk with someone who has farm-specific experience, Farm Aid is available 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 800-FARM-AID (800-327-6243) and has resources available online.
Pam Lewison is the Director of Agriculture Research at the Washington Policy Center and a Pacific Research Institute fellow. She co-owns and operates a family farm in Eastern Washington state.
