Running a farm is not an easy way to make a living. It can be very challenging both physically and mentally. Owning your own business can be invigorating and rewarding, but it can also be challenging and isolating. If you’re thinking about starting a farm business, it’s important to have a plan for taking care of both your physical and mental health. Lisa Anderson of Malandro Farms, a successful farmer in Northern NM, said the one thing she wish she’d known sooner, is how challenging farming can be on your body and how she wishes she had started to be more intentional about how she used her body in farming earlier on in her career. You can read her full interview here.
Health Insurance Considerations:
Unless you have health insurance from a partner or second job, you’ll want to make sure you get your own health insurance. Insurance can be very expensive, but the NM Health Insurance Marketplace offers plans for individuals who don’t receive health insurance from employers and who meet certain low-income qualifications (very low income producers should apply for Medicaid).
You can apply online, or schedule a free appointment with an insurance advisor who can help you explore your options. Given the stress of farming, it may be wise to look for a plan that covers mental health care.
Mental Health Resources:
Farming is not easy nor is it an easy way of life. It’s essential to care for your mental health.
- Farmstress.us is a website that has resources about mental health for farmers and farm workers.
- This is a list of mental health resources for farmers, including hotlines for crisis moments.
- Ag Wellness is a podcast about mental health and self care for farmers.
- Cultivating Resilience is another podcast in English and Spanish where farmers and farmworkers share their personal stories regarding mental health.
- This is an in-depth article from ATTRA about ways to recognize and manage stress and mental health challenges on the farm.
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