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Action shot of the stage. The players portray farmer's lives with the many things that often lead to a large buildup of stress. (Photograph by Ron Van Zee)

Partners for Farm Health and Safety developed a resource entitled Farm Alarm: Coping with Stress. In addition to an informative brochure (available in our publications section), Farm Alarm consists of a theater-based workshop (performed by Theatre at Work) that explores various stressors that have an impact on the safety, health and quality of life of farm families throughout the Midwest.

Several studies show a direct connection between a person's level of stress and their potential for an on-the-job injury. Stress is linked with numerous illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, ulcers, hypertension, and infection. With farming ranking as one of the nation's most deadly industries, we believe that many farm safety and health decisions are directly influenced by the high stress level in agriculture. To reduce injuries and occupational illness among farm families, we must work to help farmers manage stress.

The workshop is made interactive with the audience through the mediator who coordinates the discussion throughout the performance. The script was based largely on interviews with Minnesota farm families during which they talked about the influences of stress in their lives and described how successful families can cope with stress.

Here's what people are saying about Farm Alarm:
Picture of the moderator with the audience. The Farm Alarm Workshop is more than a play -- it is an interactive educational presentation. Note the moderator coordinating discussion with the audience. (Photograph by Ron Van Zee)
  • "This play was so real; it helped me understand the relationship between stress and my family's health and safety."
  • "I liked that you mentioned things that people that I know don't often talk about."
Picture of the audience.
Emotions run the gamut from happy to somber and eventually end in understanding. Everyone in the audience leaves with something new learned.
  • "Powerful messages, believable emotions, conversations and attitudes. Everyone in Minnesota should see this."
  • "It addressed many relevant farm life stresses that are not always identified or are often denied."
by s.safety
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