Extension ServiceClimate Stress and Grief: Building Resilience in Farmers and Ranchers
Due to the increasing stress and uncertainty of the future of farming due to climate change, more farmers are seeking mental health support. This project, based at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, offers a variety of workshops and trainings to help food producers better identify and understand stress and grief related to climate change, identify strategies for greater mental health resilience, and learn about available mental health resources.
- What is Climate Stress?
- What is Climate Grief?
- How are Climate Stress and Grief Affecting Farmers and Ranchers?
Climate stress refers to the stress caused by climate change. It can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals both physically and mentally. Stress results from both physical risks (such as extreme weather events) and transition risks (resulting from climate policies and actions).
We can guide producers through 'what-if' scenarios to help understand potential impacts and your response. This article provides more background on climate stress-tests.
Climate grief refers to the range of emotions that arise from witnessing the effects of climate change. It can manifest as feelings of sadness, fear, anger, and despair, often accompanied by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.
Our trainings present the concept of this specific type of grief, and offer resources to help deal with it.
Farmers face unique challenges due to their close connection to nature and weather patterns. They rely on ecosystems for their livelihood and are watching the affects of climate change on the natural world every day.
Profitability Concerns: The impact of climate change on profitability is a major cause of distress. Changes in weather patterns, extreme events, and shifting ecosystems affect crop yields, livestock health, and increase the cost of doing business.
We currently offer:
- A 30-minute presentation on the basics of climate grief and stress, how they affect farmers, and some basic coping strategies. This presentation can be added to an existing workshop or class.
- A standalone, 75-minute psychological education workshop that further explores the concepts of climate grief, stress, and resilience. The workshop includes group discussion and exercises.
Future developments: Thanks to a USDA-Western SARE professional development grant, we are in the process of developing longer, more intensive participant workshops, as well as a train-the-trainer program for agricultural professionals and educators.
Program Resources
Project goals
Acknowledging Climate Grief: By acknowledging climate grief, we validate farmers’ emotions and create a safe space for discussing mental health.
Resilience Building: A community of practice fosters resilience. Mental health professionals can educate farmers about adaptation strategies, helping them navigate stress and anxiety.
Reducing Stigma: Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces stigma. When mental health professionals collaborate with farmers, they normalize seeking help.
About our team
Our interdisciplinary teamworking group, comprised of mental health professionals, farm educators, OSU faculty members, and farmers is focused on supporting farmers dealing with climate stress and grief. We provide support through shared understanding.