The 2022 Pennsylvania Animal Agriculture Mental Wellness Survey was developed to generate a baseline snapshot on the state of mental wellness within the Pennsylvania farm community and needs of the community relative to mental health. A full report with findings from the survey is now available.
Watch a webinar recording that summarizes the survey results:
Conclusions from the survey:
- Mental health is recognized as an important issue by both farmers and agriculture professionals
- Stress symptoms span the entire animal agriculture community
- Farmers are over-confident or ag industry professionals are under-confident in recognizing and responding to those experiencing mental health issues
- Fear, Financial Stress, and Family Dynamics are the greatest risks associated with stress symptoms
- For those experiencing stress symptoms, obstacles such as cost, embarrassment, availability, and family are present
- Women, younger generations, and larger farms face greater challenges
- Findings of this research will allow more targeted development of resources and programs that provide the most benefit for the Pennsylvania animal agriculture community
Click here to view the full report and survey results.
This report is part of an initiative of the Pennsylvania Beef Working Group, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Poultry & Livestock Excellence, Penn State Extension, and Center for Dairy Excellence. It is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the USDA Farmer Rancher Stress Network Assistance Program.