Mental health is typically thought of as an “individual” issue, but it seems the cultures of our companies have a mental health all their own.  We work in an industry that tends to never pause, and pressures often mount.  In the ag industry, seasonal pressures seem to run right into the next season.  Weather delays, supply shortages, lack of qualified employees to fill critical roles, accounts receivable with clients who are struggling, and the list goes on.

This month, Chelbi Alt has written one of the most important articles we have ever printed in our newsletter, Mental Health in Agriculture: Breaking the Silence and Cultivating Wellness.  I ask you to do three things:

1. Read the article.
2. Share it with your employees AND all your farmer customers.
3. Take an inventory in your own business and identify the stressors you have to deal with on a regular basis and any “red flags” that may be waving as a result.

After doing these three things, take time to develop a strategy to help your team members (and your farmer customers) deal with the stressors in their lives.  Families, neighbors, churches, communities can all play a key role in bringing a sense of balance and peace to a soul that is hurting.  Be the one in your sphere of influence to make a difference and bring awareness to any brewing issues and create a plan to help those who may be silently crying out.

In this technological world, humans can’t keep up with machines.  We need nurtured, we need each other, and we need rest.  As Jesus’ words in Mark 2:27-28 remind us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Stop, look, and listen.  Who around you is hurting?  Not themselves?  Not acting their normal self?  Seems exhausted?   Take time to care and find out what is going on in their lives and what you can do to help get them going in a direction that has hope and light at the end of the tunnel.

At AGRI-SEARCH, our staff is committed to bringing top-tier talent to our clients. Open positions change daily, but the need for quality people is constant in every successful business.

Highlighted below are some of our current open positions. If interested in having us assist you in landing talent for one of your positions, or if one of these opportunities looks attractive to you or someone you know, please contact us.

4125, Tax Partner, Arizona

Join a rapidly growing accounting firm as a Tax Partner, focusing on serving agricultural clients, including family farming businesses. This unique leadership role offers the chance to take over an established client base while building new relationships in the agricultural sector. Ideal for a CPA with strong business development skills, this position offers a fast track to equity partnership and an opportunity to shape the firm’s future.

2074, Field Superintendent – Grain Construction, Illinois

A reputable, growing, and financially sound company that specializes in grain handling equipment design and installation is seeking a Field Superintendent in central Illinois.  This is a new role within the company spurred by continual growth.

5843, Grain Operations Dual Role, Northern Illinois

Thriving Northern Illinois grain company is seeking a valued team member who wants to focus on grain operations while learning all aspects of the grain business (outside and in the office) and be a part of a very family-oriented atmosphere. This is an ideal situation for an operations candidate who would like to gradually flip-flop their career from outside to inside.

3955, Precision Agronomist, Kansas

Are you a knowledgeable precision agronomist or a recent grad wanting to get your foot in the door? This opportunity is the right balance between technical precision agronomy skills and sales responsibility. Drive and the desire to grow in a family-oriented organization are key criteria for this role. This opportunity is based out of Eastern Kansas.

5845, Grain Marketing Consultant, Northern Illinois

A reputable risk management company in northern Illinois is seeking an experienced Grain Marketing Consultant to join their growing team. This company prides itself on offering an excellent work-life balance for their team members while providing top notch service to their clients.

3958, Agronomy Location Manager, Indiana

Our client is looking for an experienced Agronomy Location Manager to oversee daily operations, manage a team, and drive growth at their west central Indiana facility. This role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for advancement in a profitable, agriculture-focused community.

5844, Grain Superintendent, Kansas City, Missouri

A respected grain company in Kansas City is looking for a Grain Superintendent to lead their high-volume operation with rail and container capabilities. Ideal candidates have 3-4 years of grain management experience, a hands-on leadership style, and a strong focus on safety and facility maintenance. Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and excellent benefits while working with a skilled and experienced team.

4126, Senior Controller, Arizona

We’re partnering with a well-established, family-focused company in Southwest Arizona seeking a Senior Controller to join their growing farming operation. This is a unique chance to step into a senior management role, overseeing financial operations and contributing to a dynamic, agriculture-based business. If you have strong finance experience and are looking for a collaborative, team-oriented environment with room for personal and professional growth, this could be the perfect fit!

3956, Sales Agronomist, Kansas

A respected and well-established cooperative in Eastern Kansas is seeking their next Sales Agronomist. The company is very family-oriented and understands the value of work-life balance. Even during the busy season, they never work on Sundays. You must have a passion for helping producers increase productivity on their farm operation and be a trusted advisor to the producers you serve.

3957, Operations and Logistics Manager-Agronomy, Kansas

A well-established and family oriented cooperative in Eastern Kansas is seeking a Logistics & Operations Manager for their Agronomy location. In this position you will be responsible for scheduling applicators, loading and unloading, and dispatching. The desired candidate will have working agronomy knowledge and be an excellent communicator. Are you ready to take the next step? Then this opportunity is for you!

1069, Customer Service Rep / Grain Equipment Sales, Remote

Expanding grain equipment company is seeking to strengthen their team by adding a dedicated and self-motivated Customer Service / Sales professional who desires to work remotely. You will utilize your industry experience and excellent people, telephone, and computer skills every day as you work with clients in the seed, grain, feed, and milling industries.

3925, Agronomy Sales Representative, Pacific Northwest

A leading agricultural company is seeking a dynamic Wholesale Fertilizer Salesperson to manage a territory in the western U.S., based in Spokane, Washington. This role involves building relationships with agronomy retail customers, with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and requires 50% travel.

5842, Controller, Arkansas

A well-established rice milling company is seeking a Controller to lead their accounting team at their corporate office in Northeast Arkansas. This outstanding privately owned company has a solid business foundation and an excellent leadership team. In this role, you will report directly to the company owner.

Farming is more than just a profession; it’s a way of life, deeply intertwined with traditions and communities around the world. But while the rewards of working in agriculture are many, the challenges are equally significant. Long hours, unpredictable weather, and financial pressures all contribute to the unique stressors faced by those in the farming community. As these challenges mount, so does the importance of addressing mental health in agriculture; a topic that is often overlooked, but absolutely vital.

For many of us in this industry, the concept of mental health can be difficult to discuss. There’s a long-standing culture of toughness, where admitting to struggles or seeking help can be seen as a sign of weakness. People often feel that they must “tough it out” and keep their struggles to themselves. This silence can be dangerous, leading to feelings of isolation and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. We need to remember mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that the demands of farming can take a toll on both.

Farmers are often so focused on taking care of their crops, livestock, and machinery that they forget to take care of themselves. We all know what happens when you ignore the signs of a piece of machinery that needs fixed, so why would we ignore the same signs from our own bodies? By prioritizing wellness, you can improve your resilience, reduce stress, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Breaking the silence starts with open, honest conversations. It’s important to create an environment where we feel safe to share experiences without fear of judgment. This can begin at the family dinner table, in community meetings, or through support groups specifically designed for those in agriculture. By normalizing discussions about mental health, we can begin to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking the help they need.

Recognizing the Signs

Awareness is the first step in addressing mental health issues. It’s important to recognize the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression in ourselves and in others. These signs can include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Decline in the care of animals or in appearance on the farm
• Increase in illness or other chronic conditions

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to take them seriously.

Encouraging our loved ones to pay attention to their mental health is just as important as ensuring they take care of their physical health. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a persistent physical ailment, mental health issues should be addressed with the same level of care and attention.

Seeking Help and Building Support Networks

There is no shame in seeking help for mental health concerns, in fact, it’s a sign of strength. Whether through talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking out a counselor or therapist, or reaching out to a mental health hotline, there are many resources available to support those in need.

In addition to professional help, building strong support networks within the farming community can make a huge difference. Peer support groups, where farmers can share their experiences and offer advice to one another, can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding that’s invaluable.

Promoting a Culture of Wellness

Beyond addressing immediate mental health concerns, it’s also important to promote a culture of wellness in the agricultural community. This means encouraging practices that support overall well-being, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and time spent with loved ones. It also means finding ways to manage stress, whether through hobbies, mindfulness practices, or simply taking time to relax.

Mental health in agriculture is an issue that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. By fostering a supportive, open environment where mental health is taken seriously, we can help ensure that our agricultural communities remain strong, healthy, and vibrant.

As we move forward, let’s commit to breaking the silence around mental health in agriculture. Let’s reach out to those who may be struggling, offer support, and encourage one another to prioritize their well-being. Together, we can cultivate a future where mental health is recognized as a crucial part of farming life, and where no one has to face their struggles alone.

Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. If you or someone you know needs help, contact any of the following services:

https://www.farmfoundation.org/resources/farm-family-wellness-alliance/

https://988lifeline.org/

https://adaa.org/

Talented Candidates

Listed below are just a sampling of the talented candidates we have evaluated recently. If you would like to learn more about these or other candidates we have available, please contact us.

Grain Merchandisers, Originators and Traders who are diversely talented, passionate and looking for new challenges. Some desire to work remotely.

Seed Professional who is experienced in seed production, research, and sales. Seeking a leadership position or people management type role. Needs to remain in central Illinois. Top quality individual with a farm background!!

Material Driver is relocating from Florida to Illinois and brings extensive experience in operating large sprayers, dry rigs, NH3 equipment, and semi-trucks. With a clean driving record and a CDL complete with all endorsements, they are a top-tier candidate ready to hit the ground running. Currently hauling combustible materials, this individual is safety-conscious and well-versed in handling complex equipment, making them an ideal addition to your operation.

GM’s and CEO’s – we work with a variety of industry leaders seeking key management positions. Contact us about finding the right leader capable of taking your agricultural business to the next level.

Do you have a wealth of industry knowledge, several years’ experience in the ag industry, and a network of peers you enjoy engaging with? Do you have the grit to not give up and stay true to the course, no matter how difficult it may be? Are you competitive and possess a strong sales mentality where every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes”?
If so, and you have a passion for connecting with and helping people to go along with your strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, accounting, safety, or other areas, please contact Dave Allen. We would enjoy having a discussion with you about how a recruiting career may be a great fit for you.

Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH is a professional recruiting firm providing clients with customized recruiting solutions in various niches within the agricultural industry. Our success results from our industry focus, our specialized approach to recruiting, and our staff’s lifelong roots in, dedication to, and vast understanding and knowledge of the agricultural industry.

At AGRI-SEARCH, our mission states that we “are committed to serving the agricultural industry with integrity, passion and excellence by assisting our candidates to reach their career goals and helping our client companies build successful teams.”