Farming, like any other enterprise, has its own fair share of challenges. How you react to them and even better – overcome such challenges – will be the difference between the death or survival of your farming enterprise.
As such, we are often called upon as farmers to mitigate such risks carefully and, most importantly, keep our heads above water.
Attitude and internal orientation towards a stressor can compound or reduce the stress triggered by the external circumstance. On the other hand, letting go of stress can reduce anxiety.
Focus instead on the things over which you have more immediate control. You might actually focus on the things you can accomplish in one day.
A switch in mindset is also critical to managing stress. For instance, rather than dwelling on the seemingly impossible circumstances created by poor prices, plan and implement long-term ways to become more financially resilient. Switch your mindset from one of being inactive and problem-focused to a proactive, solutions kind of mindset.
If production becomes low on the farm, it is definitely a cause for concern. But a positive mindset on this could go a long way to ease the burden. There could be ways of making optimal use of the little production that is available, or new markets could be opening up that you could explore as a farmer. You can only see such opportunities if your mind is open and not overly stressed.
The way we respond to stressful events or circumstances can magnify or diffuse the negative effects of stress. Drawing upon positive emotional or spiritual wellsprings within can help. As can practising ‘conscious gratitude’ as a means of counteracting negative emotional responses to stressors.
Brainstorming and implementing a strategic plan for your operation can help reduce the stress triggered by unexpected events. Plan ahead, for instance, to match labour availability to the most labour-intensive periods.
Or, service and repair machinery in advance of its season of heaviest use – typically the most stressful seasons. These practices and others like them can help mitigate the coming times of stress. Remember, good stress management will help you accomplish good farm management.
Words used to communicate with friends, family members, partners, and employees go a long way in magnifying or diffusing stress. Healthy, positive communication patterns are a powerful resource.
The farming sector is no different. Drought, low production, dwindling market prices and extensive loss of income can strain your farming operations.
Remain focussed and always remember why you went into farming in the first place. Soon, the dark clouds will gather and rain shall fall – which in farming is a welcome sight. Keep persevering. You are on the right track. –tjatindi@gmail.com