Deining Stress Stress is something that everyone has experienced, and may need no further explanation in terms of what stress is. However, there are different types of stress, and each can affect daily life in different ways. Stress can be physical, psychological, or social, and can stem from virtually any circumstance, depending on the person. Stress can even be beneicial. Many medical and behavioral theories suggest that humans need a certain amount of stress that essentially translates into motivation. Positive stress is referred to as eustress, which often gives us our competitive edge in performance-related activities, such as succeeding at a new production method, or connecting with a new marketing outlet. Eustress is stress that the body can chemically dissipate without physiological damage—helpful in moving individuals toward achievement. On the other hand, distress is negative stress, such as constant worry, that can be physically or psychologically harmful if ignored. Distress is what people aim to manage through use of coping strategies. Stress on the Farm or Ranch Studies have shown that there are differences in the ways that farmers experience stress. For example, the National Agricultural Safety Database cites the following statistics: • Younger farmers, especially those younger than 50, report more stress than older farmers. • Farmers in dairy or mixed, (for example, grain and livestock), operations report higher stress than those in grain only [or single- product] operations. • Farmers employed in off-farm jobs report more stress than full-time farm operators. • Farm women may experience additional stressors. Besides working as a full partner in the farm business, many farm women have full responsibility for home and family matters. A farm woman with an off- farm job faces very dificult demands in addition to being the traditional nurturer for the rest of the family. (Moolgaard and Miller, 1996) Stress Management for Women Farmers & Ranchers Kristin Reynolds, Program Representative, University of California Small Farm Program UC Small Farm Program Publication There is much information written about stress, and most people are generally familiar with everyday stressors, or sources of stress. The focus of this article is the common set of stressors experienced by farmers and ranchers, with an emphasis on women and stress management.