The image of the solid and steady agricultural producer is so familiar that it may even be considered a symbol of the West. One animal is sick, and disease may be spreading; cattle prices are falling just as it is time to ship; a storm front is moving toward the property—but this producer can handle it. It is “just part of the agricultural way of life.”

But what happens when life’s circumstances interfere with the image presented to the rest of the world?

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab for where to begin at AGLEGACY.org

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Losing a limb, death, divorce, or losing the farm or ranch shapes the lives of ranchers and farmers in long and lasting ways. Much of the study of people’s adaptation to traumatic events focuses on pain and suffering. But in the aftermath of adversity, people often show tenacity and resilience, eventually exhibiting personal growth. Major life crises can be catalysts for personal growth and coping.

Why do life crises lead to greater self-reliance, confidence, and effective coping in some people and yet shatter the lives of others?

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab for where to begin at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

“Where do cowboys go to cry?” When this question was raised at a recent stress management workshop, an immediate response was “They don’t, and they won’t.”

Although there are many ranch and farm men who seek help when facing personal challenges, there are also those who find it difficult and even refuse to seek help. Why?

Often, a traditional view of being male causes many men to hesitate to seek help from others. For example, some men are taught that masculine power, dominance, competition, and control are essential to proving one’s masculinity; that vulnerabilities, feelings, and emotions in men are signs of femininity and are to be avoided; that masculine control of self, others, and environment are essential for men to feel safe, secure, and comfortable; and that men seeking help and support from others is a sign of weakness, vulnerability, and potential incompetence.

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab for where to begin at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

“Men would rather kill themselves than admit they are depressed.” This chilling statement illustrates the complexity of male depression.

Depression appears to take a greater toll on men. Although more women attempt suicide, more men actually succeed and commit suicide at four times the rate women do. A recent study found that depressed men were twice as likely as their non-depressed counterparts to develop heart disease or die suddenly because of heart problems.

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab for where to begin at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Coping mechanisms can help address or mitigate the effects of stress and reduce anxiety:
• Be aware of your strengths, skills and weaknesses;
• Practice time management and goal setting techniques;
• Involve yourself in hobbies and recreation outside the business;
• Use support systems; and
• Practice stress-management techniques.

One of the best coping strategies for managing intergenerational stressors is open communication, especially for farm or ranch families.

TO LEARN MORE see: AGLEGACY.org
#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

* Farm and ranch families experience stress from a wide variety of factors, including: 1. Operational stressors, 2. Environmental influences, and 3. Family stressors. Most factors are out of thefamilies’ control, potentially adding even more stress.
* Situations where money is tight represent another case that can lead to stress for both farm families and the agricultural business.
* One of the most stressful intergenerational farming issues reported is the transfer of the family farm or ranch to the next generation.

Stress factors can and often do affect everyone involved in the family farm or ranch business, even if they are not directly involved in day-to-day operations. See more at AgLegacy.org.

TO LEARN MORE see: AGLEGACY.org
#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning