Stress and Succession: Farmer Stress and Support Needs of Agricultural Advisors During Transition Planning.

Abstract

Objectives: Given outlooks for farm succession, it is important to understand how planning impacts farmer health and how to equip individuals facilitating succession. This research explored perceptions of stress during succession planning, the perceived challenges, and professional needs to better support clients' mental health.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with agricultural advisors (n = 12). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Researchers applied inductive thematic analysis, using concept coding as the first-round method before engaging in code mapping and axial coding to finalize categories and determine prominent themes for each research question.

Results: A shared set of stressors was identified. While technical stressors were recognized, emotional stressors were most prominent. Though research was not limited to family farms, family business systems were emphasized as having specific impacts on succession. Additionally, advisors recognized relational conflict, lack of communication, and navigating uncertainty as some factors contributing to stress. Advisors noted masked stressors such as identity confusion, guilt, and a lost sense of purpose can pose significant threats to farmers' mental health. Many felt competent in identifying potential signs of distress but expressed a need for additional mental health-related training.

Conclusions: Continued education and the creation of a streamlined professional network and resource directory are needed to improve information sharing and programming for advisors helping farmers and farm families navigate conflict and life changes.