Farm Safety Week: Health and Social Issues Facing Farm Families

Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to discuss the health and social issues impacting families in agriculture.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Keeping the farm in the family is a top priority for many agricultural operations, but achieving that goal requires a strong focus on family health and resilience. With National Farm Safety and Health Week underway, experts are spotlighting the unique challenges farm families face.

Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman from the AgriSafe Network joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the health and social issues affecting families in agriculture.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Long and Pittman outlined the most pressing health and social concerns facing farm families, including farm stress, mental health issues, and physical well-being. They also shared how primary care providers can better support agricultural families and offered practical steps farm families themselves can take to address these challenges.

The pair emphasized that safeguarding health and resilience is just as crucial as preserving land and livestock when it comes to ensuring the farm remains in the family for future generations.

Farm families can visit the AgriSafe Network for additional resources.

Related Stories
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.