GDELTKansas
Goldstein: 2.3Tone: -3.1
Farm women balance stress from work, family and farm
Women involved in agriculture face a range of stressors as their roles expand across farm operations, off-farm employment and family responsibilities, Rebecca McFarland said during a webinar hosted by the Kansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.
McFarland, district director and family and community wellness agent with Kansas State University’s Extension Frontier District, discussed stress, resilience and strategies for managing the challenges associated with agricultural life.
McFarland said women are increasingly involved in every aspect of farming. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports 1.2 million female producers, representing about 36% of the nation’s 3.4 million producers. More than half of United States farms, or 56%, have a female producer.
A third shift
As women have taken on more responsibilities in farm operations, McFarland said some also maintain jobs away from the farm while continuing to manage household and family responsibilities.
“Women have home, family, and farm,” McFarland said. “The pressure of an off-the-farm job compounds that stress.”
She described the combination as a “third shift,” adding another layer of responsibility to women who may already be balancing farm and family roles.
Rural women also report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their urban counterparts, McFarland said, citing American Psychological Association information. She said rural women may be more likely to discuss their partner’s health than their own and may overlook their own well-being.
Women in agriculture can also experience stress related to gender expectations and stereotypes, including perceptions about who should make farm decisions and who should handle household responsibilities. McFarland also identified limited access to farm loans and intergenerational tensions, particularly among daughters-in-law, as potential stressors.
Stress responses
Stress affects individuals differently, and what stresses one person might not have the same effect on someone else, McFarland said.
“Stress is our body’s natural response to threatening or demanding circumstances,” she explained.
She distinguished between positive, acute and chronic stress. Agriculture can create chronic stress because of ongoing financial concerns, relationship or work issues, markets and weather.
Recognizing physical, emotional and behavioral signs of stress is an important step in managing it, McFarland said. Symptoms can include muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, changes in thoughts and feelings, and effects on relationships.
“Be careful what you tell yourselves because what you tell yourselves really does impact our mood and behavior,” she added.
McFarland discussed differences in how men and women may respond to stress. She said men often tend to think through problems and seek solutions without discussing them, while women may be more likely to talk through problems and seek social support.
“When things get rough on the farm, women talk more and men talk less,” McFarland quoted Ted Matthews as saying.
Social connections can provide an important source of support, McFarland said.
“When life gets hard, life gets challenging, we may want to isolate or be alone, but really, it is important for us to be with others and to share those challenges in life and talk through things,” she said.
Managing stress
McFarland recommended several strategies for maintaining mental and physical health, including eating nutritious food, drinking enough water, incorporating physical activity into the day, maintaining a sense of humor, and getting adequate sleep.
She also encouraged making time for hobbies and other activities that provide restoration, keeping a gratitude journal, setting boundaries, and learning to say no when necessary.
Another strategy is distinguishing between circumstances people can control to those they cannot, McFarland said. She encouraged people to list their sources of stress and identify ones beyond their control.
“Not all problems can be solved, and not all situations can be changed as well,” she said. “When things are beyond our control, the most productive step is to accept it.”
Weather, commodity prices and other people’s opinions are examples of stressors individuals cannot control, she said. Accepting those limitations can allow people to focus their time and energy on situations they can influence.
Taking time away from the farm is another part of managing stress, she said, even when stepping away can be difficult.
“Take time away from the farm,” McFarland said. “For your own health and well-being, you must do that.”
Seek help before a crisis
She also encouraged farm families to maintain strong relationships, share concerns with others, and seek professional help before a situation becomes a crisis. She emphasized the importance of recognizing stress early and taking steps to address it rather than waiting for a crisis.
McFarland said professional assistance can be useful during particularly difficult periods, even if it is not needed on an ongoing basis.
Resources discussed during the webinar included K-State Extension stress management resources, Kansas Ag Mediation Services, Kansas Farm Management, K-State’s Ag Transitions program, Kansas AgrAbility, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
(Photo by Julia Kimmerle via Pexels.)
Open article →GDELTMissouri
Goldstein: 2.4Tone: 5.4
The second annual Women Owning Woodlands field trip is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3, at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton. The free event includes lunch and is open to all, said Sarah Higgins, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in natural resources.
Ha Ha Tonka is a wonderland of sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, sheer bluffs and one of Missouri’s largest springs, Higgins says.
In addition to being the state’s premiere showcase of karst geology, the park showcases the ruins of a turn-of-the-century castle and an impressive view of the Lake of the Ozarks, she says. Attendees will find the Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area to be of special interest. Register at https://pears.io/events/mu/9996.
PHOTO: Walking along the boardwalk towards the castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park as sunset approaches. (iStock-#810426944 │ Eifel Kreutz)
Open article →GDELTNebraska
Goldstein: 3.7Tone: 2.8
The 2026 Nebraska Water Conference will be held Oct. 15-16 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus Union to discuss the state of water in Nebraska. This conference will provide news and updates from state agencies, natural resources districts, cities, researchers and the private sector to share news and current efforts in Nebraska’s water use and management.
The draft agenda for the conference is linked here. Several sessions are pending approval for continuing education credit hours.
This conference is sponsored by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Division, HDR, Central Platte Natural Resources District, Nebraska Corn Board and UNMC’s Water, Climate and Health Program.
Registration is now open, which includes all sessions and meals, parking on campus and the Thursday evening reception.
- Regular registration: $375
- Faculty registration: $150
- Student registration: $50
Register for the conference by visiting go.unl.edu/2026WC. Registration will be open through Sept. 30, 2026.
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to participate in the research poster competition held on Oct. 15. Researchers with posters that relate to one of the following conference themes are encouraged to present:
- Groundwater quality and management
- Water use in agriculture
- Urban water planning
- Emerging contaminants
- Water use in data centers
- Education and outreach
Participants will present their posters to a panel of judges, as well as attendees. The judges will select the top posters to receive a monetary prize.
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
- Fourth and fifth place: $100 each
The poster competition announcement and rules can be found at the links below.
For questions about the poster competition, contact Tricia Liedle at 402-472-3305 or [email protected].
If you have questions about this conference overall, contact Ann Briggs at [email protected].
PHOTO: Dripping outside tap in summer showing a conceptual water ban or shortage. (Photo: iStock – studio-fi)
Open article →GDELTWyoming
Goldstein: 6.4Tone: 1.3
State-By-State Hay Markets
A comprehensive hay market report and state-by-state snapshot of current hay markets and outlooks.
New Mexico—In Sept. 11 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.
Colorado—In Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of mixed grass sold unevenly steady and Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass horse hay sold $10/bale lower. Premium 3×3’s of alfalfa sold $5/bale higher. Silage harvest is in full swing across the state. Some yields are coming in 5-8 ton/acre lower than last year. The next available report will be Sept. 24.
Missouri—In the Sept. 18 report, Summer keeps dragging on and extreme heat continues to set over the state. Areas in the northern half of the state have seen some moisture and improvements in drought conditions but southwest and south central remain very dry with some areas in D3 or Extreme Drought. Some hay feeding is taking place and concerns with water are present. Even more so is the fear the days will tick away and the growing season will end before there is any fall pasture growth if moisture doesn’t arrive soon. Corn harvest is in full swing and the state passed the halfway mark this week, beans are just getting started in a few areas. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and hay listed for sale is abundant, especially fair to good quality grass types of hay. Hay demand and movement have been light to moderate. Hay prices are steady to firm. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory at https://apps.mda.mo.gov/haydirectory or visit the University of Missouri Extension feed stuff finder at https://feedstufffinder.org.
Nebraska—In the Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, Dehy alfalfa in the east sold $30 higher. Ground and delivered hay in the Platte Valley and Central areas sold steady to $10 higher. Bales of hay sold fully steady to instances $20 higher. Hay out west sold steady. Demand was mostly good. Semi loads of hay continue to head west, mostly going to out of state buyers.
Oklahoma—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, nothing has changed. Demand for hay is still high. Due to the drought and cattle prices, cattle producers are calling all hay producers. All types of hay are being moved. Oklahoma is still seeking rain. Fortunately, we do see some rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. The next report release will be on Oct. 2.
Texas—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be Oct. 2.
South Dakota— In the Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, Good to very good demand for all classes of hay. Best demand is coming from western South Dakota where the drought has been severe and little hay was made this year. Grass hay supplies are limited as the weather wasn’t conducive to growing grass as it was dry during April and May. Drought has gripped the eastern side of the state as well, some areas are very short and made substantially less hay than normal, while in others spots the alfalfa produced pretty well.
Wyoming— In Sept. 17 report, compared to the last report, most hay prices of baled hay sold steady. Sun-cured hay pellets traded steady. Alfalfa hay cubes sold steady to $10 higher. Demand was good to instances very good across the state. Some hay getting exported out of the state in small square bales. With a lot of hay getting brough into the state to ranchers from surrounding states and farther away. Spotty rain showers up in the Western areas of the state the last few days. Getting just enough rain to make it tough to put up dry hay..
Montana— In Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Demand for hay is mostly moderate to good. Supplies are mostly moderate. Demand for hay has lightened some as fall rains have helped improve late season grazing conditions in some locations and heavier available supplies have lighten demand. Some locations still remain dry and many worry they will have to feed hay as early as October. Hay in the northern half of the state remains a discount to southern hay as sellers compete with hay coming out of Canada and across highway 2 from North Dakota. Most of this hay continues to be delivered for 180.00-230.00 depending on freight and quality. Demand for hay to ship into Wyoming is good to very good as drought conditions continue to be seen. Conditions have improved over the last few weeks as some late summer rains have been seen. Many producers are selling hay south as hay prices in Wyoming are a strong premium to Montana prices. Producers are trying to put up 3rd cutting but are having a tough time finding a window without rain in the forecast. Some producers report some excess loads of hay available as some buyers backed out of spoken for hay as lower prices in surrounding states and Canada eased supply concerns. Demand for straw is good to very good and supplies are light. Many report finding straw is difficult as many producers opted to spread it instead of baling it this year. Straw sold with higher undertones in a narrow comparison.
All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports
To contact us: hpj.com/contact/
Open article →GDELTMissouri
Goldstein: 2.8Tone: 1.3
State-By-State Hay Markets
A comprehensive hay market report and state-by-state snapshot of current hay markets and outlooks.
New Mexico—In Sept. 11 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.
Colorado—In Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of mixed grass sold unevenly steady and Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass horse hay sold $10/bale lower. Premium 3×3’s of alfalfa sold $5/bale higher. Silage harvest is in full swing across the state. Some yields are coming in 5-8 ton/acre lower than last year. The next available report will be Sept. 24.
Missouri—In the Sept. 18 report, Summer keeps dragging on and extreme heat continues to set over the state. Areas in the northern half of the state have seen some moisture and improvements in drought conditions but southwest and south central remain very dry with some areas in D3 or Extreme Drought. Some hay feeding is taking place and concerns with water are present. Even more so is the fear the days will tick away and the growing season will end before there is any fall pasture growth if moisture doesn’t arrive soon. Corn harvest is in full swing and the state passed the halfway mark this week, beans are just getting started in a few areas. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and hay listed for sale is abundant, especially fair to good quality grass types of hay. Hay demand and movement have been light to moderate. Hay prices are steady to firm. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory at https://apps.mda.mo.gov/haydirectory or visit the University of Missouri Extension feed stuff finder at https://feedstufffinder.org.
Nebraska—In the Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, Dehy alfalfa in the east sold $30 higher. Ground and delivered hay in the Platte Valley and Central areas sold steady to $10 higher. Bales of hay sold fully steady to instances $20 higher. Hay out west sold steady. Demand was mostly good. Semi loads of hay continue to head west, mostly going to out of state buyers.
Oklahoma—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, nothing has changed. Demand for hay is still high. Due to the drought and cattle prices, cattle producers are calling all hay producers. All types of hay are being moved. Oklahoma is still seeking rain. Fortunately, we do see some rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. The next report release will be on Oct. 2.
Texas—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be Oct. 2.
South Dakota— In the Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, Good to very good demand for all classes of hay. Best demand is coming from western South Dakota where the drought has been severe and little hay was made this year. Grass hay supplies are limited as the weather wasn’t conducive to growing grass as it was dry during April and May. Drought has gripped the eastern side of the state as well, some areas are very short and made substantially less hay than normal, while in others spots the alfalfa produced pretty well.
Wyoming— In Sept. 17 report, compared to the last report, most hay prices of baled hay sold steady. Sun-cured hay pellets traded steady. Alfalfa hay cubes sold steady to $10 higher. Demand was good to instances very good across the state. Some hay getting exported out of the state in small square bales. With a lot of hay getting brough into the state to ranchers from surrounding states and farther away. Spotty rain showers up in the Western areas of the state the last few days. Getting just enough rain to make it tough to put up dry hay..
Montana— In Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Demand for hay is mostly moderate to good. Supplies are mostly moderate. Demand for hay has lightened some as fall rains have helped improve late season grazing conditions in some locations and heavier available supplies have lighten demand. Some locations still remain dry and many worry they will have to feed hay as early as October. Hay in the northern half of the state remains a discount to southern hay as sellers compete with hay coming out of Canada and across highway 2 from North Dakota. Most of this hay continues to be delivered for 180.00-230.00 depending on freight and quality. Demand for hay to ship into Wyoming is good to very good as drought conditions continue to be seen. Conditions have improved over the last few weeks as some late summer rains have been seen. Many producers are selling hay south as hay prices in Wyoming are a strong premium to Montana prices. Producers are trying to put up 3rd cutting but are having a tough time finding a window without rain in the forecast. Some producers report some excess loads of hay available as some buyers backed out of spoken for hay as lower prices in surrounding states and Canada eased supply concerns. Demand for straw is good to very good and supplies are light. Many report finding straw is difficult as many producers opted to spread it instead of baling it this year. Straw sold with higher undertones in a narrow comparison.
All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports
To contact us: hpj.com/contact/
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