Take the Stress Out of the Harvest Season

The harvest season is in full swing. Harvesting of agricultural crops takes place from July to November. Harvesting equipment and harvesting conditions will vary greatly depending on the region and the crop. However, there are two things that all harvesting operations have in common: harvesting represents the culmination of an entire season or year of work, and harvesting is also a time when many farmers push themselves to their limits both physically and mentally trying to get the crop in on time. These factors can also make the harvest season a very stressful season.

Stress has been used interchangeably to mean not only the way our bodies respond to unusual demands placed upon it, but also to mean the source or cause of these demands. Not all stress is inherently bad. Too little stress can lead to boredom and depression. However, “stress” has come to be associated with the negative aspects that result from the way we respond to too many demands, both physical and emotional, in our lives.

Farmers face the same stresses as the general population and may respond in similar manners such as overeating or turning to alcohol. Farmers also have stress associated with the many aspects of farming that are beyond their control such as the weather, government regulations, interest rates, market prices, etc. Coupled with the additional stress of harvest time, farmers may take unnecessary risks and make unsafe choices that they wouldn’t ordinarily make. This is often because they are pre-occupied with the result (i.e., getting the crop harvested) and not paying as much attention to the specific task at hand. These mental mistakes and hasty decisions often result in injuries.

Farmers will reduce the likelihood of injuries (as well as improve their physical and mental health), if they learn to recognize and respond to the early warning signs of stress. Farmers can turn to a spouse or friend, or seek professional help from a clergyman or counselor. There are individuals and organizations in every community to help farmers deal with stress-related problems. The key is to keep the lines of communication open.

Below are some simple steps to reduce stress during the harvest season:

· Share your concerns or troubles with a trusted friend or professional.
· Get plenty of sleep.
· Eat nutritionally balanced meals.
· Take a 15-minute break every two to three hours.
· Substitute nutritious snacks for soft drinks and candy bars. Caffeine and sugar provide a short boost, but will also increase fatigue and slow reaction time as the effect wears off.
· Establish realistic goals for yourself, your family members, your equipment, and your operation.
· Minimize harvest downtime - prepare your equipment for harvest by doing repairs and maintenance prior to the harvest season.
· Set priorities - do important tasks first and let some tasks wait until you have time to get to them.
· Set aside time to spend with your family.
· Get involved in activities off the farm through church or community organizations.
· Arrange after school daycare for young children. This not only keeps them out of dangerous situations, but also reduces distractions for equipment operators.
· Make sound economic decisions. Financial problems are a leading cause of stress among farm families.
· Seek professional help when problems become overwhelming.

Author: Date: 10/23/2009