Bayer Launches Training Program to Help Employees Better Support Farmers Experiencing Stress and Uncertainty
Empowering Teams to Support Mental Health and Well-Being in the Agricultural Community
At Bayer, we understand that farming is more than just a profession; it’s a way of life deeply intertwined with the well-being of families and communities. As farmers face increasing pressures from unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets, and evolving regulations, managing stress and uncertainty has emerged as a critical concern. Recognizing this, Bayer is committed to prioritizing the mental well-being of farmers through a new employee training program, "Cultivating Resilience."
Understanding the Challenges Farmers Face
Farming is inherently demanding, and the challenges are mounting. The emotional toll of these pressures can lead to significant mental health struggles, and the statistics surrounding farmer suicide are alarming.
Katie's personal experience with loss—her father’s suicide after a difficult season—highlights the urgency of addressing mental health in agriculture. Similarly, another Bayer employee and a farmer in Tennessee, Bev Flatt has witnessed the devastating effects of this issue in her community, having lost three out of four neighboring farmers to suicide.
Seed dealer Sean Blomgren, who owns a family farm in Boone, Iowa, understands the struggle all too well. “Stress can take its toll when things aren’t going your way with weather, equipment issues, and everything else that can go wrong. There is also a lot of uncertainty. Right now, farmers are putting seed in the ground, and they know they aren’t making money this year.”
Beyond the challenges on the farm, farmers also grapple with the consequences of geopolitical dynamics and climatic factors that are beyond their control. Under these conditions, stress can mount, and many farmers often feel isolated. “Farming can be a lonely profession. The thought that your neighbors and folks in your community could be your competitors is a real challenge to finding peer support,” Sean said.
This competitive nature of the industry often prevents farmers from sharing their struggles or seeking the help they need, leading to a profound sense of loneliness and emotional burden that can weigh heavily on their mental health.
A Commitment to Farmer Well-Being
In response to these challenges, Bayer has launched a "Cultivating Resilience" training program, specifically designed to empower its customer-facing employees to better support farmers. This initiative is not just about training; it’s about fostering a culture of empathy and understanding that prioritizes the needs of farmers first.
The training program, developed with insights from mental health experts, will help employees recognize signs of stress and engage in meaningful conversations with farmers. “Discussing mental health isn’t in everyone’s comfort zone,” Bev explains, “but this training equips our teams with the skills to support farmers who are facing significant challenges.”
Training for Impact
The "Cultivating Resilience" program will be rolled out to Bayer U.S. employees in May 2025, with a focus on those who interact directly with farmers. This voluntary training is open to all employees and will also be made available to retail partners, ensuring that the support extends throughout the agricultural community. By equipping employees and partners with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to create a more informed network that can effectively address the mental health challenges faced by farmers.
The program will cover essential topics such as recognizing signs of mental distress, effective communication techniques, and strategies for fostering supportive relationships. Through this initiative, we hope to empower participants to become advocates for mental health, enabling them to provide meaningful support to farmers.
Continuing the Conversation
Our commitment to farmer mental health doesn’t stop with training. Bayer employees will receive tools and resources, including in-field aids, to help them continue supporting farmers. The first step in fostering ongoing discussions about mental health is to encourage more conversations and regular check-ins.
While having open dialogues can be challenging and requires vulnerability, it is essential for building trust within the farming community. Sean emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging farmers to “recognize the importance of being transparent and vulnerable with others.” By fostering genuine connections and routinely checking in on one another, farmers can create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health. This proactive approach not only helps to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in agriculture but also encourages farmers to share their experiences and challenges openly. Through these collective efforts, we can cultivate a culture where mental well-being is valued, and farmers feel empowered to seek help and support when they need it.
Fostering a Culture of Support
Bayer is deeply committed to fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support within the workplace. In addition to this new training program, Bayer has an internal Mental Health (First Aid) Guardian program that exemplifies this commitment by equipping employees with the skills necessary to recognize and address mental health challenges among their colleagues, who also may struggle with some of the same pressures and stresses as farmers. Through this initiative, Bayer aims to combat stigma and promote open conversations about mental well-being, ensuring that employees feel safe and supported.
The comprehensive four-part curriculum trains participants in active listening, empathetic communication, and effective intervention strategies, empowering them to provide meaningful assistance in times of need. By cultivating a network of Mental Health Guardians among its employees, Bayer is not only enhancing the mental wellness of its workforce but also reinforcing its dedication to creating a resilient and compassionate workplace. As we move forward, Bayer remains steadfast in its intention to prioritize mental health, recognizing it as a fundamental component of overall well-being and a key driver of success in the agricultural community.
References
Farmer’s Death Spurs Fight Against Depression and Suicide - The New York Times
Employment in agriculture (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate) | Data
