Harvest time – Blessing or stress?

It's getting near to another one of my favorite times on the farm, and that is harvest time. I have great memories of all the extra hands that were on deck to make harvest happen in a timely manner. Whether it was hired men, extra family, or a neighbor pitching in, we had extra people and I loved how the bustle of the farm filled our days. Of course it meant more work for our mom, as she made sure everyone had a good meal and lots of snacks in between, but gathered around that table and sharing stories and jokes will always be etched in my mind.

I'm guessing that not everyone shares that sentiment, and maybe you're looking into this season with a worried mindset about how everything will get done before weather gets a chance to interrupt.

Celebrating harvest creates a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, which research shows can significantly boost mood and life satisfaction. When you make harvesting a social and enjoyable time, it can make work seem less like work and more of a meaningful event. This is also a favorable way to help people connect and engage with one another, which works in a positive manner to offset the isolation that farmers and ranchers sometimes experience.

Other benefits of socializing and celebrating a seasonal happening include better regulated circadian rhythms (which promotes better sleep and happier moods) and reduced anxiety. The physical activity involved in harvesting also releases endorphins, so as you can see, there are many benefits to what I'm proposing.

In addition, just sharing food with others activates our social bonding mechanisms, releasing oxytocin (think feel-good hormone) and creating feelings of belonging. Conversation during meals also provides emotional support, stress relief through laughter and connection, and opportunities to process daily experiences with others.

I want to take this time to encourage each of you to try looking for those memories from your youth or find ways to make this harvest season a memorable one while working on managing your stress.

You might be asking, "Well Colleen, how on earth do I do that? Do you even know what you're talking about?" I know it might be challenging, but hear me out and give these tips a try.

1) Plan for weather and have backups for equipment.

Weather is the biggest stressor during harvest, so keep an eye on the forecasts and be ready to work full speed ahead when conditions are right. Have a Plan B for equipment failures, and keep your local repair services on speed dial. Have important spare parts on hand or arrange mutual agreements with neighbors. If you have these things all thought out, you'll feel more in control if things don't go as planned.

2) Prioritize crops by value and storage life.

Not all crops need harvesting at the same time, so limit potential disasters by focusing on what's most valuable to your farming operation and what will deteriorate quickly. Focus your energy on time-sensitive, high-value crops first, and don't let the pressure to harvest everything perfectly overwhelm your decision-making. Sometimes leaving lower-value crops in the field is the right business decision.

3) Maintain your physical health religiously.

You know how much harvest season demands of you, and you cannot function with those demands if you're running on empty. Doing so may open you up to injuries, poor decisions, and equipment accidents that create bigger problems. Make sure to eat regular meals, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep even when it feels like you can't afford the time. A well-rested farmer makes better decisions and works more efficiently than an exhausted one.

Remember that the stress and exhaustion you feel during harvest is temporary, but the satisfaction of a job well done and the relationships you've strengthened along the way will sustain you through the quieter months ahead. The meals shared with family and crew, the neighbors who lent a hand when you needed it most, and the simple joy of seeing your hard work come to fruition; these are the rewards that make the difficult days worthwhile.

And think of the rest that is coming your way, because you will have earned it.