24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2026 Keeping Stress in Check Strategies and Tools That Can Help PERSPECTIVES GLENNIS MCCLURE | FARM AND RANCH MANAGEMENT ANALYST, EXTENSION EDUCATOR, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN In Nebraska, weather-related challenges are a reality. Wind, re and hail can strike suddenly and leave devastation behind. Drought, on the other hand, can develop slowly and persist for months or even years. Stress often follows a similar pattern. Sometimes stress is immediate and intense; when equipment breaks down during a critical time or when a storm damages crops, buildings or fencing. Other times, stress, like a persistent drought, can become chronic, building gradually as one challenge follows another. While we cannot control the weather, we can develop strategies to better manage stress and reduce its long-term e ects on our health and well-being. Recognizing Stress and Distress Stress caused by ongoing burdens or threats can turn into distress. When stress feels constant and unrelenting, it can lead to serious physical, emotional or mental health concerns. It is important to recognize when stress is a ecting us and when we need to take intentional steps to cope. It is equally important to notice signs of chronic stress in family members, employees or others we work with regularly on the farm or ranch. When to Seek Help If stress becomes overwhelming or turns into distress, professional support can help. The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline – (800) 464-0258 – o ers valuable resources, including free counseling vouchers through the Counseling Outreach and Mental Health Therapy (COMHT) program. If you are with or know someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or is talking about self-harm or suicide, do not leave them alone. Seek immediate help. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. If you’d like to learn more about suicide prevention programs, there are several, including Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR). Nebraska Extension has a trained facilitator for this program, and you can check the AgriSafe website, agrisafe.org/, as they recently hosted an online training on QPR for farmers and farm families. Healthy Ways to Cope During Stressful Times Some coping habits – such as overeating, undereating or excessive alcohol use – can worsen stress and harm health. Instead, consider positive strategies such as: RESOURCES Scan the QR codes to learn more University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Extension’s Disaster Education website with mental health and wellbeing information Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1 (800) 464-0258. University of Nebraska– Lincoln – Rural Wellness University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Dimension of Well-being North Dakota State University – Coping With Stress AgriSafe
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