When the whole world seems to have gone mad, cows and cow dogs can be great therapy.

Yet farming/ranching has its share of stressors. We deal with a host of things beyond our control, from the weather to a revolving door of politicians. Cows get out. Markets dip, only to rebound a day or two after we sell.

Even what should be within our control can be hard. Ice has to be cut, and especially when it’s 10 below. Repairing fences can’t always wait for a 70° day. Calves get sick, even with the most well-managed health programs.

Livestock demand your time and have a way of putting you at odds with the priorities of family and friends who you made plans with six weeks ago. It’s hard for folks not involved in agriculture or business ownership to understand you could actually have a negative income (yes, a loss) any given year. And finding good hands to help with the labor of it all isn’t as easy as it used to be.

We could fill the page with examples, but the point is, what we enjoy — what we love — can be overwhelming and lead to risks to our own health at times. If not us, maybe our neighbor. As a community, it’s important that we take care of each other.

Warning signs

Linda Geist, senior strategic communication associate for University of Missouri (MU) Extension, shared tips for watching for warning signs of stress in a recent news release.

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When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, says Karen Funkenbusch, MU Extension assistant professor. At other times they may be quickly apparent.

Visible signs such as thinning hair, weight changes or skin breakouts are warning signs from the body that yell, “I need help.” Other signs might be more subtle and not seen until the long-term results can no longer be ignored, says Funkenbusch.

However the symptoms appear, MU Extension offers resources to help farmers and their families.

Those closest to the farmer — friends, extended family members, neighbors, and clergy — may be the last to notice signs of stress because they see the person regularly and the changes are gradual. Less frequent visitors to the farm, such as a salesperson or a veterinarian, may be in a better position to notice changes.

“Anyone connected to the farm is in a position to notice signs of stress and be of help to the farmer and farm family,” says Funkenbusch.

Funkenbusch points to a recent newsletter from Missouri Department of Agriculture listing signs of stress:

• Change in routines. The farmer or farm family stops attending church, drops out of activities or no longer stops in at the local coffee shop or feed store.
• Decline in the care of animals. When animals lose condition, appear gaunt or shows signs of neglect or physical abuse, the farmer may have lost interest in his or her work.
• Increase in illness. Farmers or farm family members may experience more upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough).
• Increase in farm accidents. The risk of farm accidents increases due to the fatigue or inability to concentrate. Children also may be at risk if there isn’t adequate childcare.
• Decline in appearance of the farm. The farm family no longer takes pride in the appearance of farm buildings and grounds or no longer has the time to do maintenance work.
• Children show signs of stress. Children may act out, decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school. They may also show signs of physical abuse or neglect.