The ongoing economic conditions in agriculture are taking a toll on farm families and their rural communities. The associated chronic stress is also impacting mental and physical well-being, relationships, and decision-making. Extension helps farmers, families, businesses, and communities remain resilient by learning how to manage stress and use planning tools to make sound decisions and create a road-map for the future.
The Resilient Farms, Families, Businesses & Communities: Responding to Stress website has been created by a team of UW-Madison Division of Extension and University of Wisconsin-Madison educators and specialists. We hope that you find this collection of resources, available programs, and background information to be useful in helping to mitigate the short and long-term impacts of farm stress. Our team is interested in connecting farmers, agricultural professionals, educators and others interested in farm stress with resources and programs that address issues such as:

• Stress Management and Wellness
• Decision Making and Planning for the Future During Times of High Stress
• Communication Strategies Within Families and Between Farmers and Community Members
• The Science and Biology of How Stress Affects Brain and Body

If you are in need of additional information, we encourage you to contact your local County Extension Office. Or, if you cannot find the local resources you need or are interested in a larger, state-level or regional approach to farm stress, contact one of the project co-leaders.

• Trisha Wagner (trisha.wagner@wisc.edu)
• Joy Kirkpatrick (joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu)
• John Shutske (john.shutske@wisc.edu)