The University of Minnesota Extension-Women in Ag Network, American Agri-Women, Minnesota Agri-Women District 11 and Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center are collecting data nationwide to learn more about women in agriculture’s resiliency to stress.

All women in U.S. agriculture ages 18 and older are invited to participate in the Weathering Stress in Agriculture 2021 survey. The questionnaire will build on knowledge gained from a similar survey in 2018-19, says Megan Roberts, U-M Extension educator in agricultural business management. Data provided will help shape continued online programming for Extension’s Cultivating Resiliency series and assist in development of new resources to help women in agriculture.

“2020 was a year like no other, so we really want to hear directly from women in ag about what they need now to be resilient as we move through 2021,” Roberts says. “We want to hear directly from women in ag about their experiences. We want to give women a space to anonymously share their stories. And we want to learn what has changed, if anything, in the way the participants of our survey approach stress today versus two years ago.”

Roberts says the survey includes questions that focus mostly on two broad topics: experiences with stress and approaches to resiliency.

“The beginning of the survey asks for some basic demographic information. Then, we ask about how they divide their time, be it off-farm employment or farm employment, for example,” Roberts adds. “We ask if they have experienced any increase in a variety of different stressors, or if they have noticed those around them are experiencing any increases. We also ask about their approach to resiliency, support network and stress management.”

To participate in the survey, go online to z.umn.edu/resiliencysurvey. Roberts estimates it will take less than 10 minutes to complete the survey. All responses are anonymous. 

“Please feel free to share the link with anyone that may have an interest — farmer, rancher or another agriculturalist,” she says. “The greater the participation, the better we can tailor the resources to directly meet the needs of those who need it the most.”

The online questionnaire will close April 30.

To learn more about Extension’s Cultivating Resiliency series, including past and upcoming free webinars, podcasts, online coffee chats and more, visit umash.umn.edu/cultivating-resiliency-webinars.

Questions? Contact Roberts at [email protected].

Additional resources

If you or someone you care about is in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233). If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's hotline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can also visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov for a treatment locator.