About the Livestock Care Service:

When producers face challenges, it can be difficult to focus on the day-to-day needs of a farming operation. The business can become neglected and livestock may not receive their usual care. Over time, a successful farming operation can become unstable.

The Farm Stress Line is a safe place to call and explore options, or get information. Callers remain anonymous. Farm Stress Line counselors are active livestock and grain producers who understand today's farming challenges. They know what it's like to lose an animal or experience a crop failure. Counselors provide support, help solve problems and give referrals.

When calls are specifically related to livestock, referrals are made to the Livestock Care Service. The Livestock Care Service is accessible through the Farm Stress Line. Livestock Care Service volunteers are farmers with extensive experience in a range of commodities. Volunteers listen attentively and provide support, as well as advice.

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Farm Stress Line and Livestock Care Service Mandate:

The mandate of the Farm Stress Line and Livestock Care Service is to provide a referral service for farmers and commercial livestock producers having difficulty with animal care, including neglect, poor feeding and aggressiveness toward the animal. The referral will assist farm operators to address the problem prior to the matter reaching a crisis situation requiring the intervention of enforcement officers. It is one more way for the agricultural community to work together to help fellow producers and farm animals as well as demonstrating to the public that producers care.

The service is intended to assist commercial producers experiencing difficulties and challenges thus resulting in poor animal care. To date, the service will be able to respond to situation involving the following commodities: beef cattle (including feedlots), dairy, hogs, poultry, horses (Equine ranching, pleasure and rodeo.)

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Farm Stress Line Counseling Staff:

Callers to the Farm Stress Line, in general, want to talk to another farmer. Many have already heard from a variety of professionals on a wide range of topics related to financial and human issues. They are looking for advice and support from people with practical experience. This is evident in the number of calls where the first questions of the counselor is: "Am I speaking to a farmer?"

The Farm Stress Unit recognizes this need and hires active farmers with an understanding of the diverse nature of Saskatchewan agriculture. Counselors have generally had several years of experience in dealing with farm people on debt related issues, counseling or self-help. They must as well have extensive and effective communication skills, excelling in listening. Listening skills are essential for the counselor must be able to quickly determine the nature and extent of the problem or crisis the caller is facing.

Counselors require a minimum of a high school education, supplemented with post secondary courses relevant to stress line counseling. In addition to a broad based education, counselors are required to have a working knowledge of the farm debt review process, and farm lending policy.

Once recruited, counselors undergo an extensive training program in crisis line counseling techniques including practice sessions dealing with crisis situations: violence, abuse and suicide. As well, counselors undertake continuous in-service training on a wide range of programs, such as the operation of the Six Year Leaseback Saskatchewan program, Farm Debt and Farm Land Security Boards, Mediation Services and Bankruptcy. Staff also acquire ongoing training and updating of information in such areas as: substance abuse, physical abuse, and suicide intervention. Through comprehensive training, counselors remain current on a broad range of programs, issues and techniques essential to their role as Stress Line Counselors.

Part of the effectiveness of the Farm Stress Unit can be contributed to the team approach. There are always two people available to take calls. When a critical call occurs, counselors work together providing alternative approaches, and accessing information on the computer operated Directory. On termination, counselors review the call to assess the appropriateness and the effectiveness of the response provided.

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The Human Service Directory:

Farm Stress Line staff are supported by a comprehensive Directory which lists services and programs available to farm people and other rural residents in Saskatchewan.

The Human Service Directory began as a paper catalogue until the use of computer systems could support the extensive volume of services that would be applicable to farm people in Saskatchewan. The directory provides quick and easy access to information and also allows for the constant updating of this information. The Directory is now on-line and serves as an effective and essential instrument supporting the Farm Stress Line counseling staff.

The counselor has the option of entering the area of inquiry into the computer by: naming the specific program or agency, subject, or geographic area. This search quickly identifies the programs that match the caller's concern.

Once the program or service appears on the computer screen, the counselor is able to page through the information as one would a book. A brief description of each service appears on the screen, including telephone number and addresses, and often the person to contact. Through this action the counselor can provide the caller with a number of options.

If the caller needs more detailed information than the Directory provides, counselors are prepared to undertake the research required to meet the request. In such situations, the caller can call back or leave their number for a return call.

In other instances, callers terminate the conversation after having received the information they requested. However, there are times when callers will request the Farm Stress Line counselor to make the initial contact with the agency or service provider. The counselor will comply with such requests, then report the results to the caller and if necessary link the caller to the service.

The computer software program allows the Directory to be an active information system. It can be constantly updated, at minimal cost, as programs and services are reorganized and departments and agencies assume different responsibilities.

Ensuring that the Directory remains current requires the attention of one person working full time, keeping up to date on changes to programs and contacting agencies for new information. The new information is entered in the Directory on a weekly basis.

Although the information needs of Farm Stress Line callers may be somewhat unique to agriculture, the unit cooperates with the Provincial Inquiry Line in updating the Directory. This cooperation between agencies and the Farm Stress Unit is essential in meeting the goal of developing an integrated information system which provides farmers and other rural residents with access to accurate, current information on available programs and services.

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Symptoms of Stress:

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• unexplained headaches
• stomach upset
• chest pains
• chronic back pain
• cold hands and feet
• muscle tension
• chronic fatigue

Behavioral symptoms of stress include:

• difficulty sleeping
• irritability
• sexual problems
• always wanting to be alone
• loss of appetite
• overeating
• alcohol and drug abuse

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How the Farm Stress Line and Livestock Care Service Work:

1. The 1-800 telephone line rings.
2. A Farm Stress Line / Livestock Care Service counselor answers the phone.
3. The counselor listens to the caller and if necessary informs him/her of the option of speaking to a male or female counselor.
4. The counselor provides encouragement and assists the caller to clarify the problem or concern they are facing.
5. The counselor uses the Human Service Directory to match programs and services to the information or referral needs of the caller.
6. If the caller is calling regarding a livestock issue and the counselor is not familiar with that area, the counselor will refer the caller to a volunteer (many of whom are provided through FACS), at which time the caller can call the volunteer peer and discuss his/her concerns in confidence.

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Stress Management for Farmers:

Learning to control events, attitudes, and responses day-in and day-out will help you manage those hectic, stressful times.

Perhaps you have noticed that some farmers crumble under the pressures of events that you find easy to handle. Or perhaps you have wondered how other farmers can go on in spite of the stress load they carry.

Why is it that some farmers can handle lots of stress and others very little? Researchers who have examined differences between successful and unsuccessful stress managers have identified three key factors. First, individuals vary in their capacity to tolerate stress. For example, prolonged exertion and fatigue that would be only mildly stressful to a young farmer may prove very difficult for an older farmer or someone with a heart defect. Emergencies, delays, and other problems that a confident farmer takes in stride may be a stumbling block for one who feels inadequate. While part of an individual's stress tolerance is inborn, a crucial part depends on the quality of skills practiced. Learning to cope successfully with a stressor once makes it easier the next time.

A second factor is feeling in control. Successful stress managers know how to accept those stressors out of their control--the weather, their height, stock market fluctuations--and how to worry effectively (problem-solve) about those within their control--neck tension, temper flare-ups, record keeping.

Finally, the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings that people assign to events determine a large part of their stress levels. A person has to perceive a situation as stressful or threatening in order to experience stress. If you think your dog is barking in the middle of the night because of a vandal, you will experience more stress than if you suspect a skunk has wandered into your yard.

Stress can be defined as energy in a blocked or chaotic state. It is an absence of calm, free-flowing energy that promotes harmony and balance in a person's body, psyche, and soul. To achieve the relaxation response during peak farm stress seasons--planting and harvesting--takes discipline and daily practice at controlling events, attitudes, and responses. Following are some techniques individuals may adopt to gain control.

Control Events. To reduce the pile-up of too many stressful events at one time, farmers can control some situations.

• Plan ahead. Don't procrastinate. Replace worn machinery parts during the off season.
• Before the harvest discuss who can be available to run for parts, care for cattle, etc.
• Set priorities about what has to be done today and what can wait until tomorrow. Plan your time.
• Say no to extra commitments that you do not have time for.
• Simplify your life. If possible, reduce your financial dependence on others.
• Postpone stressful events within your control, such as elective surgery.

Control Attitudes. How farm family members view situations is a key factor in creating or eliminating unwanted stress.

• See the big picture: "I'm glad that tire blew here rather than on that next hill."
• List all the stresses you now have. Change those you can; accept the rest.
• Shift from worrying to problem solving.
• Turn your crises into challenges.
• Notice what you have accomplished rather than what you failed to do.
• Set realistic goals and expectations daily. Give up trying to be perfect.

Control Responses. The past is gone. The future is not here yet. Right now you have the choice to feel stressed or to feel relaxed. Start here.

• Relax. Whether you are walking, driving or phoning, do it slowly and relax. Keep only that muscle tension necessary to accomplish the task.
• Tune in to your body. Notice any early signs of stress and let them go.
• Take care of your body. Exercise regularly and eat well-balanced meals. Limit your intake of stimulants like coffee, colas, and tea.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes or marijuana. Avoid using tranquilizers, sleeping pills.
• If your health allows, tense and then relax each part of your body from toes to head, one part at a time.
• Shake away tension as you work by vigorously shaking each of your limbs.
• Take a break. Climb down from your tractor and do a favorite exercise.
• Take three deep breaths--slowly, easily. Let go of unnecessary stress.
• Stop to daydream for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and take a short mental vacation to a place you really enjoy. See the signs; hear the sounds; smell the smells. Enjoy. Then go back to work feeling refreshed.
• Think positive thoughts: "I will succeed."
• Look for the humor in everything you do.
• Balance your work and your play. Do both well.
• Find someone with whom you can talk about worries and frustrations.
• Get help when you need it. There are times when all of us can benefit from professional help.
• Unwind before bedtime. Do stretching exercises, listen to soothing music, practice relaxing deeply, and be thankful for any blessings received today. Then sleep well.

Farm family members can manage their stress well--even during planting and harvesting. The key is to be flexible and to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Make time daily to take care of yourself, for your work is vital to all of us.

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The Connection Between Stress and Farm Injuries/Illnesses:

Several studies have shown a direct connection between a person's level of stress and their potential for an on-the-job injury. Stress is also linked with numerous illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, ulcers, hypertension, and infection.

When a person is faced with a large number of potentially stressful conditions, the likelihood of making an error increases. This increases their potential for a tragic accident to occur.

People faced with economic, time, and physical (like the weather) pressures are less likely and perhaps less able to "create" a safe work environment. They have less built in protection when they DO make a mistake. A farmer faced with dozens of competing pressures and priorities is less likely to replace shields they may have removed or to install a rollover protective structure. Farm families with tight budgets or that are squeezed for time may also not have the resources to keep children away from dangerous areas around the farmstead.

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The Stress of Living and Working in Agriculture:

Several published research articles refer to farming as "one of America's most stressful occupations." The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has ranked farming as the 12th most stressful of 130 high-stress occupations.

Some studies have also suggested that farmers in many areas of the country may have a higher suicide rate and may be at greater risk of experiencing depression.

Evidence suggests that the current agricultural climate in many parts of the U.S. (including much of Minnesota and surrounding states) is creating tremendous stress on farm families, perhaps equaling what was experienced during the 1980's farm "crisis." Low prices combined with increasing debt loads as well as weather and agronomic conditions are pushing many producers out of farming.

What causes this stress? There are numerous factors (stressors) which impact the health, safety, and happiness of farmers and their families. For most, economic pressures underlie much of the stress. A farm family's livelihood is controlled largely by the weather, market conditions, and other factors over which they have little or no control. Those things which cause us to feel the most stress are those which we cannot control.

As farmers sometimes feel forced to expand to remain competitive, they often must increase their workload. This often leads to fatigue and an increased risk for injuries.

Agriculture is changing rapidly. The level and complexity of technology is also increasing. Keeping up with the tremendous overload of information in the form of market reports, sales literature, production recommendations, field records, and regulatory requirements can cause a farmer to feel "out of control" and anxious. This is likely to get worse as we move head first into the "information age" with the stream of data and facts that will come from the Internet, satellite dishes, and industry consultants.

Farmers are also faced with a variety of "physical" stressors. A person working on a farm may be faced with wide variations in temperature and humidity and may be required to work in very adverse weather conditions. Because they often work outside and in isolated areas, farmers are among the most vulnerable groups for suffering the ill effects of heat exposure (such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion). It has also been well documented that the noise an vibration of farm equipment contribute to high stress levels and hearing loss.

Farmers themselves are not the only ones impacted by stress, although they may experience the direct effects of an injury or illness.

Other family members feel the effects as well. For example, several studies document that the daughters-in-law of adult male farmers may experience the most stress within farm families. Children also are likely to feel the effects of stress which may lead to behavioral problems or difficulty performing school or work activities.

Older farmers may also be at higher risk for being negatively impacted by stress. This is important since the average age of our farm population is increasing as is the average age of people in many rural communities.

In addition, the entire rural community is impacted when people involved directly in production agriculture are effected negatively by stress. As farmers move from farming to other occupations, all those who supplied goods, services, and information feel the ripple effect. When a farm family member experiences an injury or other adverse health effect where stress was a factor, the family and the community can be changed forever.

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When Generations Farm Together:

Sharing decisions, asking for what you want, listening well, and resolving conflicts quickly can help eliminate stress among generations farming together.

Mutual enjoyment and closeness are among the benefits when parents, grown children, and grandchildren farm side by side. However, conflicts may arise that develop into stressful situations.

For example, a father may hold fast to a traditional farming method while his son may push for a new one. A mother may find herself in the role of messenger between the two generations who have stopped talking to each other. Such lack of direct communication can lead to even deeper misunderstandings. Asking for what you want, listening well, and working to resolve conflicts quickly can help with some of these problems.

When two and three generations work closely on a farm, tensions over a person's need for privacy may result. Allowing grown children the space they need to learn to function as independent adults is imperative. As long as emotional needs outweigh financial ones, separate households for married children are probably preferable. The importance of defining individual boundaries--different traditions, activities, and priorities--must be maintained. Finally, patience and understanding are called for with spouses who were not raised on the farm.

Researchers have found that farm families with open communications, shared decision making, and long-range planning for normal family changes (child turning 13, last child leaving home, retirement) handle stress better than those with closed communication, authoritarian decision making, and day-to-day planning. Family members may need to improve their skills in reaching a consensus, being assertive, or solving problems. Here are some time-tested methods of handling problems that may arise:

• Identify what the problem is and who is involved.
• Hold a family meeting with those involved in the problem.
• Use problem-solving techniques.

Begin problem solving by gathering the family and establishing a positive atmosphere, free from interruptions. Help family members identify the specific problem at hand and determine whose problem it is. For example, one person's behavior is a problem to someone else because it is interfering in some tangible way with another person satisfying a need. (Learn to accept differences in values.)

Next, identify what each person involved in the problem really wants. As a group, brainstorm all possible solutions. Remember these brainstorming rules: allow no criticism of any solutions until you are finished; encourage creative, wild ideas; get as many ideas as possible; build on solutions already suggested.

Once the brainstorming is complete, evaluate each solution by listing its pros and cons. Through compromise arrive at a consensus about the best solution; that is, arrive at a solution all of you can live with for now. Decide who will do what, when, and how. Make sure each person is clear about his or her part of the agreement. Then, put your plan into action on a trial basis, say for a month.

Finally, meet after a month to figure out what worked and what did not. It may be necessary to try another solution.

Of course, it's best if no problems ever arise. But achieving such harmony will take some effort. Your family may find success by following these guidelines:

• Avoid "what if..." fantasies and "if it wasn't for..." regrets. Think about what's happening now.
• Ask for what you want directly: "What I'd like from you is..." Remember the other person is free to say yes or no.
• Recognize and appreciate individuals for their contributions. If you feel you are not getting enough attention, ask for it.
• Check what another person really wants from you. This is a good way to get expectations out in the open.
• Check whether the other person heard you accurately. "Would you please tell me what you heard me say?"
• Make your own traditions. Schedule an annual family get-together at a nearby lake. Or go camping together. Get everyone involved. Let children share in the decision about where to go and what to do. Organize a ball game with new rules and handicaps so that in the end, everybody feels good.

The togetherness of a multiple-generation farm operation can be a source of stress as well as satisfaction. By allowing people time and space to be themselves and to do some things their way, each generation can establish its own independence while maintaining close family ties.

Sources: Robert J. Fetsch, Extension Specialist, Human Development and Family Relations, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Michele Schermann, R.N. Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department St. Paul, MN.