Are You a Prisoner to your farm? The Stresses of Rural Life and Building a Farm 

I feel the same way, I have 22 head of black angus and some chickens on 69 acres in Davie county, NC. Our family farm started when my mom married my stepdad in 1976. Well my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020 and had surgery to remove it. Needless to say she just can’t do the things she used to and still wants to do. She will be 79 this December and my stepdad just turned 86. They turned everything over to me and my wife in 2021 and it’s hard. Back years ago when I was younger we had 150 head of cattle in 5 different locations in the county and they still had public jobs and I don’t see how we did it back then. I have 2 step sisters that live on the property as well but since the land has been divided into 3 separate tracks fairly evenly (I made sure that the surveyor made my track just a little less than there’s, just so they couldn’t say that I got more land than them). They do not help with anything. My oldest step sister felt that she got stabbed in the back with the way it was divided up but she got the most acreage and the best land track. My brother has the land and house at my parent’s place now and he takes care of that and helps take care of them. My wife has cooked 2 to 3 meals per week since January 2021 and taken it to my parents so they will have something to eat for the week. She goes down there every Saturday and prepares their medication for the week and we both help them with their appointments as well. My step sisters have done nothing to help on the farm or with their own father’s care. One sister will go down to see them every now and then but the oldest sister does not even call him on Father’s Day or his birthday. I do all of the bush hogging, and fence repairs even on their property. My brother in law does nothing to help either. There is fence that needs to be replaced on their property but they will not help pay for any of it or help with the work. My wife and I are just alone with all of it other than our 2 sons at 12 and 7 years old. I just retired from my state job of 30 years but I’m going to have to get another job eventually, either part time or full time. It’s just so hard to get everything done or just to get caught up on work that needs to be done. Thanks Josh

I worked with a friend whose family farmed since the 1700s. He gave up that lifestyle 1988. Everything you have said he would tell me. Almost everybody he knew in his community (farming) never went on vacation NOT ONCE. My buddy was a NASCAR fan and his dad would give him grief when he would want to go record some of the races so he can watch them late at night when vCR’s came out! His father would tell him we don’t have time to go hit some record button on some electronic device! my buddy by the way was in his late 20s at this time. My buddy never even ate cereal until he was in his 20s! His mom was up every single morning at 4am cooking fresh biscuits, eggs, bacon, etc. etc. almost every day of her adult life until she died! I have so much respect for farmers just from hearing some of the stories that he would tell me. And most of the things he told me you’ve said in this video.

When I was 21, I visited my cousin and her farmer husband for a week. I arrived in the late afternoon. The next morning at 4:30 am, the door to my room opened as her husband said, "Get up, I let you sleep in." The next 4 days were constant work. Every day was filled with new problems to fix. I salute our farmers! 🚜🇺🇸

This video reminds me of the story that Paul Harvey made famous. So God made a Farmer. Great reminder of how important farmers are to our lives and communities.

My uncle had a dairy farm (I'm talking 50yrs ago we always went to visit them ) ! 1 time they came to visit us were going to stay a week , my uncle only made it 2 days 14 hours away from his lady's and they had to leave to see about his farm !!! Cow's had to be milked twice a day morning and evening, rain or shine or 2 feet of snow ! One summer I stayed with them and it came a flood , the creek was 14' above flood stage ! We milked every day , twice and had to dump the milk because the truck that picked up the milk couldn't get to the farm , a bridge washed away ! This is why I watch your channel Josh and other's I can see your passion for what you do ! Have a BLESSED DAY !!!

If Not For Farmers & Truckers, their would be no Whirled.. I sincerely Appreciate EVERYTHING Each Of You Do... Much Love 2 You ALL & Best Of Health ,Wealth & Love...

To be honest, I rather be around my animals than being around the people you find out there nowadays. The world has gone crazy.

I (we) am like you - small farm and business in Scotland. A friend once asked my wife "When we were locked down with the Covid scare, did Andrew even notice it?" He was of course joking, but the truth was, that the Covid lockdown made absolutely no difference to my life! I don't see people from one day to the next unless it's a delivery guy or the mailman and I happen to be outside and see them. In the morning, I write reports and do other business-related stuff. In the afternoons, I prep firewood, cut logs into boards on our sawmill, work on the land, do fences, we are starting a small hop field. The wife does the veg garden - stuff like that. 5pm, its beer-o'clock. 7pm and I make the evening meal. Midnight and it's off to bed. 7am and it's rise-n-shine. Rinse and repeat!

Your marriage was not driven apart because of your farm. The right one won't leave. There is no reason you can go out and socialize after the sun goes down. You can go out drinking all night but you certainly can go out and see people for a couple of hours most evenings. You need a GOOD woman!

Good video. Farming is tough. Probably one of the hardest things a person can do but I think it’s also one of the most rewarding things someone can do. There are a lot of distractions in the world today and I think the less we let others influence us the better off we are. Most people are just not content nowadays. If people were content then they wouldn’t always be chasing the next vacation or this or that. I try not to think I am trapped on the land, I thank God he has given me the opportunity to manage and enjoy the land. Nobody gets as excited as our family when we get a good thunderstorm in the summer, when grass greens up in spring, when it gets cold it means no more flies or weeds. Farmers live in the real world and we need to look at the positives any time we can. We get to experience things a lot of people never will. I think it can bring us closer to God. Almost every day I am amazed at the system he created.

Folks....Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below...and if you ever need someone to talk too, this is a great resource for ya. leanonagate.co.nz/ Lean on A Gate is a totally free service that my friend Wiggy Came up with to help rural communities around the world. What a great idea!

I grew up on a cattle farm. You are right about needing to be there every day rain or shine. My grandparents and uncles had dairy farms so they had to do what we did every day plus milking twice a day. You have to milk no matter how you feel. In my teen years I worked on the dairy farm during the summer months. The public does not fully realize what farming families have to sacrifice when owning/managing a farm. This life is not a 9-5 job. Hope your video can help someone in need.

Hi Josh, Im a loyal follower for many years. My story is much like yours. I've worked over 30 years in a steel mill and I decided, one day to change my life and become a farmer/rancher. I use a lot of what you've suggested. Mobil chicken coop/ rotational grasing, thanks for all these bit of treasure. I don't have a huge ranch, 33 acres in Northeast Texas, originally from California. I have ~ 5 acres of crops/garden, ~30 chickens, 10 goats, 6 cows, and 1 donkey. This is a lonely lifestyle, but seeing all the growth of your labor and the family benefit from my labor is rewarding. I can't say that I've gained weight from farming. I can say that the donkey is not very nice, constantly talks down to me. But he's an ass lol. All joking aside. This lifestyle isn't for everyone. Hard work every day but I can honestly say, don't miss the city. I wouldn't change this for nothing. My wife on the other hand misses nights out, internet signal, and spa days. She's and good sport about it though she settles for BBQ grilling, board games, and a run around the garden hose. Life is good.

Farmers deserve alot of respect, dedicated & hard working. I've always said if I had to make a living farming I would starve, not smart enough.

Thank you for this episode Josh. It is so very important to be able to relinquish the stress that we assume by our responsibilities and let it go. I am one who has difficulty letting go of the stress and often times I cant sleep because of my mind processing those responsibilities at bedtime. It is very unhealthy. I'm not one who will take a pill to mask stress. I feel it much better to learn to deal with managing my responsibilities in other or new ways. I haven't taken a vacation in almost 30 years and my son decided to treat me to a weekend fishing trip on a river fly fishing excursion for fathers day a few years ago and after I got out on the water, the peacefulness brought me to tears realizing there's more to life than obsessing over responsibilities. Thanks again my dear friend. .. Patrick, at Arbor North Ranch, Anderson California.

Really like how you're sticking out the drought, using and improving the soil with hay.

This is exactly the reason i decided to not get livestock when we started to live on a farm. I like working with animals and all that, but if you do not have multiple people able to tend to the livestock in your home it's very difficult to take a few days (or even one day for that matter) off.

Why are farmers so good at what they do? Because they are always outstanding in their fields 😊

Hello.. hope you are well? I'm a farmers son now 45 years of age and in a job outside farming but helping my father 70.. on the farm whenever I can to give him some time.. always do it in a heart beat and absolutely love it.. less people 😮😊.. its nice seeing it from both inside farming and outside farming and being able to bring ideas home to ease workloads.. sometimes it's easy to talk but does anyone who doesn't know that there stressed know the signs there self ? Stay safe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

We are so blessed to stewards of the land!

This is a great discussion to start Josh. We appreciate what you do for the agricultural community, and especially us fencers!

I understand....Salute to you my brother.

I was raised on a large dairy farm and know what you're talking about. My dad farmed with his brother and dad for many years so unlike alot of farmers we had peace of mind to take a couple weeks vacation. We had people we could trust to do the work and k ows the ins and outs of the farm. I always said if farming was a 40 hour a week job it would be one of the best jobs ever.

The animals need you, but you know. We all can fall prey to this sort of thing. I have driven 🚛 29 yrs. And it destroyed my friends, family, marriage.. being gone too much, away long hours, each day..🎯 Now, it all has it's effects....🙏🏼✌🏼 Be Blessed

Have you thought about a ranch hand? Perhaps if you provide housing & utilities, a garden spot, you could probably find a retired couple to do these chores for you.

I’ve been following you for years. I’ve learned so much from you. You’re right about one thing, there is more to life than the tractor that needs to be fixed. You’re right about farm life being hard, exhausting, thankless, and comes with a certain amount of uncertainty. I was rooting for y’all. But, I’m not anymore, and here’s why: you’re just plain wrong. Your farm didn’t ruin your marriage. The right woman doesn’t leave when it gets tough. Loyalty doesn’t evaporate, it’s solid, like a rock. Someone else said, “the right one doesn’t leave.” That’s it. Period. I speak from experience. Born and raised on a farm. Went off to law school, and graduated. Hated it. Couldn’t get back to the country, to the farm life, fast enough. She clearly wants different things in life. That’s fine, but that’s on her. It is *not* a failure on your part. I’m a Marine wife, to a disabled vet. 27 acres, very rural, the drought took our cows last year, but we are coming back. We have sheep, horses, and nearly every kind of poultry. Market gardens, apiary, and I do most of the work, as he simply can’t. He contributes so much in every way he can. It’s hard. Sometimes we are at odds. But, neither one of us is going anywhere. Both of us have the same goal, and we enjoy the life. Every once in a while, that little voice whispers, “you can’t do this,” depression isn’t unheard of here, but there is, in the end, an absolute refusal to give up. I’m glad you made the video, and made some valid points, but in my humble opinion, you’re looking at it from the wrong angle. So, I’m not rooting for y’all anymore. I’m rooting for *you*! Do not let her come back and set you back again. You’re moving forward. No more steps back. Love, from South Louisiana ⚜️

Being disabled is being prisoner in my home. I know it’s not the same. We moved to rural area prior to me becoming disabled so it’s so hard

My next door neighbors are hobby farmers. I've helped them a handful of times, they have so many animals they can't go anywhere. Cats, dogs, chickens, turkeys sheep and several vegetable gardens. They work around the clock. Don't get me wrong I love animals and nature but I can't see why someone would do this for no profit other than good feels. Hats off to you guys. all I've got to say is, for crying out loud get paid to do what you love if you must toil in the soil.

Absolutely we feel the stress! We have been with our goats as they are birthing right now. The stress is palpable as difficulty with births, my wife was with a goat last night for 3 hours through a complicated birth. In the end 1 kid lived 1 kid died. I was up before dawn helping deliver babies and to bury the kid that died in birth. We never get away. We love our farm but you need a break from time to time.

We just went away for the first time in 5 years. With a farm and a dog rescue it’s almost impossible to leave. We have 8-12rescue dogs at any time. So we know exactly what you’re talking about. Im also over 500 miles away from the rest of my family which is hard because we were all always close. I gotta tell you though I wouldn’t want to be trapped anywhere else. Caswell county NC is so small their shelter needs all the help it can get.

Been a rancher forever. I enjoy my privacy but have great friends that visit. An hour from shopping. I just come up with great stories every day and laugh all the time. I am a single 95# woman and work this project alone. I have great parties. Life has to be fun!!!!

I think you figured out why the church (I am not a religious person) becomes such a strong force in rural communities.. it is the only communal interaction many Farmers get every week…

I only have chickens and a big garden, and don't go anywhere longer than 5-6 hours. But, hey- with what's going on with 'the rest of the public', I feel safer staying home. I find community here, speaking with others doing the homesteading lifestyle- it really helps. Being laid-off back in February (& not finding any jobs!), I've been focusing on prepping, & I enjoy 'farming'. My husband supports my efforts (Thank God he's a man with skills).. I believe you will find the like-minded wife, Josh.. 🙏🏻💪🙏🏻

Great topic buddy. We have talked in the past. I live in Los Angeles on a piece of property with two horses and it is a constant battle with my wife of 35 years . She is ready to travel and enjoy her life now that she is 64 and I am content staying and taking care of my animals and the property. It is not as easy as having someone come by the house to feed a cat or a caged bird once or twice a day or to walk your dog while you are gone, large barn animals can get themselves in trouble on the droop of a hat and you have to be able to catch potential issues if you are lucky before something bad happens. To keep peace in my house I had to plead with a neighbor who also has a couple horses to take care of my two so I can take my wife to Greece for a couple of weeks and I know I am going to be thinking the whole time if my animals are ok. So I understand completely what this video is all about and I live it everyday. Speaking for my self, I am content staying on the property and taking care of it and the animals seven days a week but I also need to think about my wife's needs so I guess its a give and take like anything in life.

I know exactly where you're coming from Josh. I grew up on a farm. Except for school and a couple trips into town for supplies, we rarely ever left the farm. Farming takes a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment. While it has great rewards, the burnout factor is high. We finally gave up our farm and began traveling for a change of lifestyle. Thanks for sharing your video. I appreciate it very much. Take care and God Bless.

This is why it is sooo important when starting a farm to make sure we implement systems from the beginning to allow us the ability to take the much needed breaks. I grew up raising hogs and chickens so I knew when I got out on my own how it was to be committed to the livestock every day and I knew I did not want to be married to my livestock when me and my wife started our small farm. I realize that with bigger operations it’s harder to do, but I think it’s something every farmer rancher needs to consider when starting their operation. If they don’t they probably won’t do it for long.

I have a friend who is 78 years old and owns a small manufacturing company. He and his wife cannot take vacations together: one or the other has to watch the company. He is trying to sell the company but can't find a buyer. I was blessed and I know God has my back. I sold my manufacturing company to a group that called me out of the blue at the exact moment I was disgusted with one too many factory problems and retired well 2 years ago. After decades of no vacations, working while recovering from various major surgeries and illness's, my wife took 4 international weeks long vacations back to the Philippines: while I stayed home to watch my company. There is no solution and 99% of the population can't comprehend that.Business owners are just rich A-holes, ask any employee. After retirement I had an emergency triple bypass and had my first heart attack on July 15th. What a lifetime of high stress will do to you.

Bless our wonderful Farmers ❤

Great Topic Josh. Thanks for putting this video together.

I’m a 31 year old mechanic for John Deere and I also feel the struggle cause my work flow fluctuates with the agricultural industry. When a farmers equipment goes down it’s on my shoulders to get them back up and running asap. I’m also a single father to 2 beautiful little girls and I have to have people I trust to help me take care of them cause my “work” hours are always changing

What is most important, I think, is communication with friends. Going out of our daily life, to keep those friendships, is most important.

I have a slightly different take. Grew up on a beef cattle farm, then moved away. As soon as I did, I missed the rural way of life. Now my dad is elderly, still has a herd of 50 head of polled herefords and can't really do the day-to-day things that need doing on a farm. Half the place is overgrown to the point of needing a dozer/excavator to clear it, tons of fence rows are going to need ripped out and rebuilt unless we lease the place to row croppers. I got married 22 years ago and have made it clear since day 1 that my retirement plan was to move back to the farm - not necessarily to be raising cattle but to live in peace. This summer my wife filed for divorce, said she never really wanted to live on the farm. I guess my love of rural America is more important because I wasn't really willing to compromise. I have no idea what the future holds but I guess I'll be doing it on my own.

The cows are so gorgeous and healthy looking, shiny coats and look content. This is a great conversation that you've started. A lot of people get absorbed in their farms, homesteads and work-lives. It's very personal as it's your livelihood. A magical elf isn't going to appear and do the tasks, and a lot of responsibility (or all) is on one set of shoulders. Becoming focused on a goal is super cool but at what expense? Community is very important, and finding those in your life that supports that effort is important too. Protecting free time is crucial, especially if one doesn't have an abundance of free time. I have a 16 yr old dog that I rush home to after work because she's old, and that means I cannot take that Zumba class (or whatever). I can't imagine having 55 head of cow and a bunch of other animals. We're all on a hamster wheel of sorts, but we are only as healthy as we allow ourselves to be and extracting ourselves from strongholds (like zero work/life balance) is important for one's life fulfillment not to mention daily mental health. If a person is introverted, it's especially important to not isolate. Your friend Wiggy has no doubt provided a great resource to a lot of folks.

hi there am i a prisoner to a y/t channel . lots to think about .good show , john

Thanks for the video. There’s a lot of truth to it all.

Your video provided a revealing look at the life of a farmer, challenging common misconceptions. As you highlighted, farming is far from a typical nine-to-five job-it's a demanding 24/7 commitment, 360 days a year. For anyone who dreams of tending to acres of lush green land and picturesque scenery, it's crucial to recognize that maintaining such beauty requires relentless hard work and dedication.

We live on Farm in Virginia Rockingham County in Shenandoah Valley we are having worst drought in our life time Corn we irrigated irrigated soybeans need rain sold cows from 90 down to 25 its stressful and depressing depression to see our land look like desert!!!

I've lived a rural life for over 60 years and the question I would ask you is "where are your neighbors and community?". Farming is a way of life and either you love it or loathe it. I know that neighbors and community are not what they were when I was a kid but that is simply an excuse. Our church family was once central to our way of life and the folks we looked to when we needed help. When people got sick, the church, which were typically your neighbors, just showed up and took up the slack. I am lucky and still have that church community to rely on. Seek them out, they're important to our life on this earth and beyond. I'll be praying for you.

I think most people in the farming community understand what you're saying. I get it my self and don't own a farm. When a person or a couple of people husband and wife, start feeling burnt out from the everyday routine, people need an outlet that will allow a reset from the same old grind. Every person is different. Most people caught in the everyday grind, just need a break from it. Whatever it maybe. Just to make sure if it's all worth it.

i feel this so much i started a farm 9 years ago raising hogs on pasture, i havent been able to go see my parents since i started , they have to make the trip to see me now. one week im ready to sell everything off and the next week i want 20 sows spitting out piglets. since covid hit and inflation has hit im now forced to look for a part time job which my interview for it is today at 2pm never thought id be excited to get a part time job lol but i am lol thanks for video Josh

Well said. I work as an agent banker and see lots of stressed farmers. People need balance.

Grew up on a farm/ranch, cattle and horses. Full time job, 24/7/365. Loved horses and riding them. Never considered it a job but a love!!!

Remember "The Farmer Song" by Murray McLaughlin (I think that's who it was)...........listening to that song brings me to tears because it is so true! I dedicate that song to you and all farmers.....

I'm sorry friend, I lost my marriage as well due to family business and estate building. We become the enforcer. We do it for the family, it back fires.

I worked on farms and ranches growing up, it was hard dirty work. But, at the end of the day, I had a sense of accomplishment that no 9-5 has ever provided!

Not a farmer per say but our 3 day camptrip next week has ne stressing on the seeds i planted that havent germinated. Those 3 nights can make the difference in whether or not they grow or fail.

I was raised on a small ranch in CA - in addition to being pretty poor (we didn't have running water in the house until I was 16). We never went on a vacation while I was growing up - I never even understood what a vacation was. My parents divorced when I was 16 and I married a guy I was dating and got the heck out. Unfortunately being raised that way - I never learned how to plan or save for a vacation in my adult life so I have rarely taken one even now. But I can't say never any more. But now in my senior years - I've returned to the life of my upbringing. 40 acres, chickens, senior cats, dogs and wanting to get a few cows and a garden. But even with this few responsibilities - it is extremely hard to get away even for night out for dinner with animals to feed and take care of. Hardest part is a GWP dog who has severe separation anxiety. He cannot be left alone at all especially if there is a storm in the forecast. The easiest thing for us to do is get a house-sitter who can just take care of everything. I had 2 highschool kids this past year that I rotated between - but they graduated and went off to college. Now looking for replacement. It's hard to find someone reliable, responsible and trustworthy to live in your house for a few days or however long you need to be gone. Our only other choice is to board the dog & cats and try to get a neighbor to check on the chickens. But they're all ranchers here too - so they have their own farms to take care of. It's hard to ask. All-in-all we love this life. There's something special about being connected to the earth. I talk to the animals (even the wild ones) and sing to the chickens. We do have a close community with the surrounding ranches so we make our own entertainment and we celebrate each others accomplishments and hold each other up in our sorrows.

Hey Josh thank you for the video and yep that's what's happening to me I work like a dog all day long shovel down garbage food and that's why I got a big belly not good

I like your honesty and videos. Just been watching the last two days. This one video where you talk about the stresses of farm life and all the problems and anxiety you deal with. Josh, you should check out the French farmers and the high amount of suicides that happen. They would have a lot in common. Everything you mention; the weather, the vet's bills, the seasons, the tractor machinery costs. A comparison is the factory/office worker; there is no beautiful scenery to wake up to, the stresses of all weather, and the traffic to get to a job where the boss dislikes you and everybody else. No job satisfaction, no guarantee of the position you are in. Mortgage, rent bills, noise, nasty neighbors, pollution. Yes, they can switch off and can walk away when they have done their shift. They can look forward to holidays, but you cannot. Mabe does not have livestock to worry about? Look at your land and beautiful scenery to use as another way to make money? From Scotland

Wow you are speaking my language, Josh. We are strapped to our cattle, our Iand, our garden, our farm equipment etc. We need a vacation from all this. Appreciate this video.

I can relate so well Josh, the only livestock I hv right now are my 77 chickens. They depend on me for everything they need!! I recently had surgery was down for 4days, thank God my sister lives on property and she was available to gather eggs during that time, they have auto feeders, waterers...however that still puts me 4days behind on cleaning coops, and waterers, hauling woodchips for their pens ect. ect. ect.... my mom is always saying " I don't think everythings gonna fall apart for you to take a few days off"😮...YES IT VERY WELL COULD, because although I love and trust my sister, she doesn't do it like I do...she does it to help me out, I do it because I LOVE THIS HOMESTEAD LIFESTYLE!! And I love my birds...they are my therapy. Thanks for sharing Josh, sorry to hear about your marriage. I get it...I asked my husband once if he really wanted to homestead? He never seems to enjoy it, or want to help me with anything, if I want to do it a certain way and he thinks it should be done this way he won't help me. His response was " not with you" !! I said "why"? He said cuz I wouldn't do things his way so I can do it myself....so I do.😢

Farming is mentally excruciating, this is a tough time of year for me, you work for months with no income and you start to doubt what you're doing everyday, it has caused me alot of health problems. It would be nice to be able to clock out on Friday and take a break for a couple days.

Hey Josh, been a long-time sub here, love your content, mostly because I envy the life you have, I would love to own a farm, be in your shoes, have that feeling of Worth that you have to have because of the animals. This is not to be taken in a negative way. And while I totally understand what you're saying about the struggles that YOU chose, we all have those same struggles in some way, no matter what we do, unless you were born with your pockets full of money. I worked for a Supermarket 9 hours a day 6 days a week (not a flashy job at all) but I just can't take days off, go on vacation when every I want, I Don't get to enjoy Any holidays because it's really just another day of business as usual. Most people in America go through this unless they have their own business and can control when they want to work, but if they are working for someone else or for a big-time corporation or company who basically own your life, we go through the same struggles. On top of that we probably don't make enough money to enjoy life as some others do with the pay, we get and cost of living. Sorry for the rant, but just saying you most likely have a much better life than Most of us watching you, and me for one would give up my life for yours any day of the week, struggles and all.

Great message, Josh, thank you. It hits home for me, even though my operation is much smaller than yours. I'm lucky enough to have family that can help, and income from other sources so that I don't need to worry about that. But rural life is still isolating, and for my wife it is compounded because she is visually impaired. She is very limited in what she can do for herself, not being able to drive or go anywhere on her own. And since our property demands so much from us, it can be really difficult to get away and find some time for mental breathing room. Day after day of doing the same things, worrying about the same things, with no end in sight definitely builds up and weighs on you. For her, it's just that much worse. Honestly I'm not sure how many more years we can do this. Winter just makes things worse, with fewer daylight hours and fewer things to occupy yourself with. And for many, the financial aspect is a major factor. Even if you can find someone to take care of things for you, if you have to pay them so you can leave for the weekend but can't afford it, it's not helpful. For the most part, we are doing okay. But those ups and downs still occur frequently. Self-sufficient people tend not to turn to others for solutions to their problems, but some things are really tough to fix by yourself. Farming is easily one of the most difficult jobs out there, and when you figure in mental stress on top of it, it's a wonder anyone does it. Thanks again, Josh.

I feel ya. We can’t go anywhere with all the dogs, sheep, rabbits, pigs and chickens. Would love to find a trustworthy animal tender. Great topic!!

I have a friend in rural VA. She runs a business in a very rural area, pet-sitting, homestead sitting, etc. One time she even encountered copperhead snakes / nest area around a clients property and had to deal with that. Are there any companies like this in your area that could provide some respite help on a farm, or even a farm/share type of thing where you help someone and they help you (like a barter thing), with a trusted farmer friend?

Hi Josh Hello from New Zealand. Yes we do have a support structure in place for Agriculture, Horticulture and Viticulture. It works to an extent but agree with you that there are many people who get stuck between never wanting to live in a town but feel trapped on their property. I live on a small block as we call it and also work in the viticulture industry. I spent 30 years working in the city in the tech industry so have spent many years in both arenas. I see people all the time not happy in their life and envious of people doing the alternative (grass is always greener). That said, I could never return to the city so just remind myself that every time I feel trapped. I also make sure I spend time off of the farm and with other people whenever I can. At the end of the day, for me, I love coming back to the farm and trying to keep on top of the many projects I have even when they load up due to issues or breakdowns. All the best

I don’t have animals;at least not yet. But I do have a 175 acres of my family land that is forest. Always seems like something to be done. Having the wrong equipment and tools makes things harder. I can relate. God bless ya

Good one Josh. No question, farmers have it tough, daylight to dark, and all that goes with it. Back in the day, I had a real job and a side hustle of 1,5 acres under irrigation plant grow nursery. It ain't easy that's for sure and a divorce or two along the way. I'm retired now, pushing 92 trying stay healthy and alive. I wish you the very best, glad you discovered some support. A word if I may, these people with the filthy mouth, just block them, life is to frikkin short to deal with them.

We have a 150 acre horse farm, and soon to add some cattle to the farm. I also work full time as a state employee. We are only year 2 at our farm but it has grown our marriage and our friendships. We use our farm as an escape for us, as well as people around us. The farm may not always look perfect… but I would rather be known as a good husband, good dad and good friend than a good landscaper any day.

We’re not farmers but I watch your episodes and subscribe. My great grandparents and great aunt ran probably 250 cattle on 400 acres in the 60s in northern Louisiana. We’d pop in once a year on a summer vacation trip from NJ. I was too young to even consider what the lifestyle was like. My Aunt Alpha was single and worked hard. The only saving grace was she had enough land that she did not have to rotate cattle to different paddocks every day. As an adult, I live in Houston, Texas. We still own the land in LA, but it’s all pine tree plantation as much of the land up in NW Louisiana is. We have a 10 acre weekend “ranch”, it’s not a real ranch, but that’s what country property is called in this part of Texas. We’d like to have some chickens. Not living on the land, it’s tricky and we aren’t doing it as we’d like them to be able to free range due in the day. I’ve often thought about if we figured out a way to do that with technology, we’d still have to line up someone to be on call or keep an eye on things when we went on vacation. Not easy. I can’t imagine doing that with a real farm like you have. You’re basically a one man show. While when I watch your videos, I envy what you do, in reality, I don’t, I know it’s really hard with no breaks. Watching the situation you’re in, have you ever considered bringing on help in the form of a love on site immigrant worker or family that has a farming or animal husbandry background that would not need to make the kind of money a local would? I don’t know if you can make the economics work, but if you could it would provide needed help and lessen the 7x24 burden on you. Another option might be to take on interns and provide free housing and board in return for their daily learning and filling in when you need to go away. I don’t know how old you are, but when you’re in your 70s or 80s, if you’re still doing this as a one man show you’ll burn out or break down.

I am 78 years old, grew up on a similar farm operation with a family operation. I understand the struggles. My question, are there areas where you can sow sedan to allow your cattle to graze? Butt fertilizer is so slow to build up soil, you’re not young enough to see the end result! Give the land what it needs now to survive your operation.

Today was Outstanding show. Love your Honesty. Be safe and have nice weekend

Yep. Very true. I see it all around me. It's a labor of love. The farmers' past time/vacation is "leaning on the fence" with the neighbor farmer. Talking in the mirror as I see it.. Neighbor farmers are getting hard to come by anymore. I do the standard 9 to 5 and then come home and do the 5 to 9. Again, labor of love.

It's the only life my wife and I have ever known. We can go months without seeing the end of the driveway. And that's okay in my book. Neither one of us work off the farm. It's probably harder for those that didn't grow up like this.

Every morning the first thing I do is pray...then go do a bit of work on the farm (the only 'livestock' I have are a few cats), feed the cats, take care of crops. Then, after that I can have brekky. It's a really small farm, and I only work it part time. I have an outside 9-5 (one advantage of a small farm). But, I will make time for other things when I need to...like even just take part of an afternoon to just do something fun.

I havnt been on vacation for 10 years. Honestly its been great. As someone that deals with mental health everyday. Routine,structure and a special area thats just for me off to the side has been what works for me. I miss spendin time with close friends, but they know what life does to you on a farm. If you are struggling please talk to family and more importantly find someone you jive with that can pick up a part of your life that is holding yoy down. There maybe a single dude or a smart,capable couple out there willing to do what i do for my friends family. Stay safe

Like you said, this is super important. It is very easy to isolate yourself as a farmer. There isn’t the interest in farming by young folks that there was when I was growing up. As a kid in the 70’s-80’s, we would go around and help the older farmers bale hay, feed the livestock, and give them some company for mutual benefit. Ever thought of getting with the local Vo-Tech schools about starting a FFA or 4H internship?

Thank you farmers!

Bravo Josh, like you say, farmers don't like to talk and thank g-d there is someone who is dedicated to helping other's who are having this. This is PTSD to their job. This is the so we can be self employed. But PTSD is stronger when you want to be self employed.

🎯 Spot on Josh!

i live on a farm now at 74 and i understand what you're saying about being a prisoner to your farm, however, when i was i my 30's and just started my retail business with almost nothing i worked over 3 years 7 days a week no days off to make the business work. But purpose is one of the most important parts of being human.

I'm happy working 365 days on my fathers farm. I'd much rather be on the farm then on a vacation worrying if everything is ok on the farm.

I worked on many area farms here in Vermont for over 50 years,I hear and know what u are saying Josh, I work in a factory now 4am to 12 pm

That part where said "We become a prisoner to our farm" and then you said it 20 more times.... I felt that

I know a man that was a life long 3rd generation dairy farmer - Jersey cows approx 125 head, 400 acres at one time, mostly woods (Atlantic Canada), lost everything back in 2015. He's 78 years old now and has been homeless since then. Every now and then I see him in town standing outside of a shelter. I don't believe he's all there mentally, has very very little family.

God bless the farmers. They feed the world.

My partner and I just did "homestead sitting" last weekend, they have goats, laying chickens, meat chickens, 2 inside cats, 2 outside cats and 2 dogs to be honest, I'm glad I don't do it everyday ❤

A very important video! Greg Judy also stresses that you must be able to get away from the farm for a day or two. However, he is large enough to be able to afford a few interns that will run the farm without him. So is it a matter of size? Or are there other ways to organize that freedom for small homesteads?

Farming is not like a job it is a lifestyle. You have to love it. I guess if you want to be a farmer you need to marry a farm girl. I could never get my wife to move out on a farm. I grew up in North Carolina in a rural area and many of my friends were from farm families and their kids are still on some of those farms. Josh needs to get over to the local Baptist Church and meet some people.

Good Thing You Have U Tube Camera To Talk To , Train Temps To Take A Break Also Pray God Listens To Every Word

thank you for sharring this topic. while i don't have animals on our farm i'm 100 invested every day to the mill orbuilding products to sell. To day was my first day taking my first chemo for my lungs. I'm over wieght and don't sleep well. social meda is really my only out let. and often no one ever comments , so that's that. my wife and i go two different directions every day. often times I only see her right before she leaves for work. she's a full time college student and a manager of walmart. 58 years old and I figuered we would have more time together. kids all adults. now it could all end in a moment. time to take action and fix this before it's to late. For me may be to late. but I'm not a quitter so like trump said "Fight Fight". The weight is realy my biggest issue.

Thank you and bless you for your work, and for this post.

Yes, the rural lifestyle can be hard. You are correct that if you leave for vacation you tend to be thinking about the farm the whole time you are gone.

Good work Josh. Important topic!

I’m not a farmer. I dream about land and sheep. I do have chickens who make dirt that makes a garden that finds its way back to the chickens. I’ve fallen in love with the idea of an enclosed natural system of regeneration. I understand the captive nature of living this life but obviously not fully. The greatest draw for my other then living the way I believe we’re ment to, but to be self reliant. Not 100% reliant on grocery stores. I wonder if living with extended family who take turns vacationing might be a good idea. Several houses or trailers like you have on the property. Compound bills and all the stress of living on separate properties. Just a thought. Love you brother! Thanks for all the info. Especially this kind.

You Are So Blessed Hang In There, I Would Like To See You Get Help So You Can Get Away Even For A Weekend To Reset, Maybe Train Help

I'd say this is definitely a problem for small business owners as well. High stress life styles are not for everyone.

Yes. More than a life it’s a lifestyle. Rock on brother 👌🏻

Josh, are there any 4H or FFA programs in your area? If so, try engaging them and find some youngsters to do some work on the farm Juniors and Seniors only. Also, any colleges with Agriculture programs in your area. If so, try looking for some students to mentor. You don't have to do it all by yourself.