MSU Extension Film Sheds Light on Farmer Stress and Resilience

By Andi Anderson

Farmers face many challenges daily, from unpredictable weather to financial pressures and family responsibilities. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is spotlighting these struggles and the importance of mental health through a new short film, Weathering Together.

The 15-minute documentary was created in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

It gathers personal stories from five Michigan farms — Gingrich Meadows in LeRoy, Ware Farm in Bear Lake, Wunsch Farms in Traverse City, Rice Centennial Farm in Benzie County, and Sietsema Farms in Allendale.

Premiering on YouTube at 6:00 p.m. ET on September 10 in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, the film will also be available afterward on the MSU Extension YouTube channel and the Managing Farm Stress website.

The documentary underscores the challenges farmers face, from equipment breakdowns to unpredictable markets, while also celebrating their resilience and love for farming.

Brandon Gingrich of Gingrich Meadows expressed the balancing act of farming life, while Randy Rice of Rice Centennial Farm described the joy of working outdoors and carrying on family traditions.

“By sharing their experiences, these farmers remind us that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the farm,” said Remington Rice, MSU Extension’s farm stress specialist. Rice leads MSU’s Managing Farm Stress program, which provides resources such as free online stress management courses, teletherapy services, and financial planning support.

The film aims to show that reaching out for help is not a weakness but a strength that supports good decision-making and long-term farm success. As Valeria Johnson, a veterinarian at Sietsema Farms, explained, “You can’t care for 80,000 turkeys if you’re not taking care of your own mental health.”

Weathering Together also highlights the pride and community spirit that drive farmers, reinforcing that resilience is built not only through hard work but also through seeking support when needed.

For more information, visit MSU Extension’s Managing Farm Stress website or consider supporting the Farm Stress Project Endowment Fund.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, call 911 in emergencies or reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension