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Peer Support for Farmers

Peer support means talking with people who have lived something similar. For farmers it can ease the sense of being alone, and it works best alongside professional care.

Where do you go in a crisis?

Peer support is not a crisis service. In the US, if you are in distress you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and in an emergency you should call 911.

Peer groups are valuable for everyday strain, shared problems and staying connected. They are one part of care, not all of it.

Keep that boundary clear for yourself and for anyone you invite.

• Call or text 988 for support
• Call 911 in an emergency

What is peer support?

Peer support is a relationship in which people with shared experience listen, encourage and share what has worked for them. For farmers, that can mean weathering a drought year, a financial squeeze, a family transition or the loss of livestock with someone who understands.

It is different from therapy. Peers are not diagnosing or treating anyone, and they should not give medical advice. What they offer is understanding, practical ideas and the relief of hearing that others have felt the same way.

Why does it work well in agriculture?

Many farmers hesitate to talk with someone who does not know the work. A peer already understands the pace, the weather dependence and the way the farm is tied into family life, so there is less explaining and more trust.

Hearing a respected neighbor say that they struggled too can lower the barrier to asking for help. That is often the most important effect.

Peers can also share practical know-how, from how they talked to a lender to how they got through a hard family conversation. Treat their experience as ideas to consider, and check with professionals before acting on anything about health or money.

What forms can peer support take?

It can be informal, such as a standing coffee with two or three farmers, or more structured, like a facilitated group or a trained volunteer who checks in by phone. Some programs are run by extension offices, farm organizations or community health groups.

Format matters less than fit. Some people prefer one-to-one talks, others like group settings, and many value the option to start quietly by listening.

Whatever the format, regular timing helps. A group that meets at the same time each month is easier to remember and to keep going.

• Regular coffee or breakfast meetings
• Phone or text check-in partners
• Facilitated farm stress groups
• Trained volunteer listeners
• Online groups with active moderation

How do you find a group?

Ask your county extension educator, a local farm organization, your clinic or a church or community center. Neighbors may know about meetings that are not advertised widely.

Availability differs a great deal by state and county, and programs change. Confirm times, cost and who runs a group before you attend, and trust your sense of whether it feels respectful and safe.

Ask whether a group is open to family members too, since spouses and grown children often carry the same strain.

What are the ground rules that keep it healthy?

Healthy groups share a few habits: what is said stays in the group, no one is pressured to speak, advice is offered only when asked, and no one acts as a counselor. Respect for different views on farming, money and family helps everyone feel safe.

If someone in the group talks about hurting themselves, others should stay with them and help them reach 988 or 911 rather than handling it alone.

It is also fine to leave a group that is not right for you.

How can you start one if none exists?

Begin small with two or three people you trust. Pick a regular time and place, agree on the ground rules and keep it simple. Ask a local extension educator, health professional or faith leader whether they can offer guidance or a meeting space.

Do not feel you must have training in mental health to host a meal and listen, but know your limits and keep resource numbers handy, including 988, for anything beyond what the group can handle.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.