Farming has always been a profession built on hard work, determination and resilience. Farmers wake up early, work long days and often continue working long after the sun goes down. They care for livestock, plant and harvest crops, maintain equipment, manage finances and make countless decisions that affect the future of their farms and families.

But there is another part of farming that deserves just as much attention: the mental health of the people doing the work.

Farm stress is nothing new, but the pressures facing farmers can be overwhelming.

Weather is something no farmer can control. A drought, excessive rain, frost, storm or disease outbreak can quickly change the outlook for an entire growing season. At the same time, farmers deal with fluctuating commodity prices; increasing costs for seed, fertilizer, fuel and equipment; labor challenges; regulations and concerns about the future of their farms.

Penn State Extension notes farmers face a unique combination of occupational, financial and environmental pressures.

Because farmers often live where they work, it can also be difficult to separate the job from home life.

For farmers in Butler County and throughout Pennsylvania these pressures can sometimes feel like they have to be handled alone.

There is often a culture in agriculture of simply pushing through the difficult times. Farmers are used to solving problems themselves. If a tractor breaks, they find a way to fix it. If a cow gets out, they bring it back. If the weather changes, they adjust the plan. Mental health doesn't always work that way. Sometimes the best thing a farmer can do is talk with someone.

That is why the AgriStress Helpline is such an important resource for Pennsylvania's agricultural community. The free and confidential service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Farmers, farmworkers and their families can call or text 833-897-2474 to speak with trained professionals who understand the unique challenges associated with agriculture.

The people answering the AgriStress Helpline receive training related to the issues faced by agricultural communities. They can provide emotional support, help assess immediate needs and connect callers with mental health and agriculture-related resources in their area.

Most importantly, a person does not have to wait until things reach a crisis before reaching out.

Stress can build gradually. A farmer may begin losing interest in activities he or she once enjoyed. Someone might withdraw from friends or family, have difficulty sleeping, become increasingly frustrated or anxious or simply stop taking care of themselves. Changes in the care of crops, livestock or the farm can also be warning signs that someone is struggling.

Family members, neighbors and fellow farmers can play an important role as well.

Agriculture is a close-knit community. Farmers see each other at the feed store, farm supply businesses, auctions, livestock shows, Farm Bureau meetings and community events. Sometimes a simple question such as, “How are you doing?” can open the door to a conversation that someone desperately needs.

We also need to remove the stigma surrounding mental health. Asking for help does not mean someone is weak or incapable of running a farm. In fact, recognizing a problem and taking steps to address it can be one of the most responsible decisions a farmer can make.

Penn State Extension encourages people to recognize signs of chronic stress and reach out when they see those signs in friends, family members or neighbors. Someone does not necessarily have to make the call themselves. A concerned person can help someone else connect with resources.

The farm will always need attention. The animals still need fed, crops still need planted and harvested, and equipment still needs maintained; but none of those things are more important than the person behind the work. Farmers spend their lives taking care of their land, animals, families and communities. It is important that they remember to take care of themselves, too.

If you or someone you know in Pennsylvania agriculture is struggling, the AgriStress Helpline is available 24/7 at 833-897-2474 by call or text. If someone is experiencing an immediate mental health emergency, call 911 or call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

There is strength in asking for help. Sometimes, a conversation is the first step toward getting through a difficult season and finding a way forward.

William Thiele is a Butler County dairy farmer and director for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau District 15.