What is a farmer support group?
A support group is a regular gathering of farmers who share problems, ideas and encouragement. Some are about practical topics such as pasture, marketing or equipment. Others focus on stress and wellbeing. Many do both, since the two are connected.
Groups range from a few neighbors at a kitchen table to organized peer networks run by extension offices, farm organizations or nonprofits.
- Peer learning circles on practical topics
- Wellness and peer support networks
- Informal neighbor gatherings
Why do they help?
Some members will also benefit from a regular reminder that other people face the same worries. Farming can feel like a private struggle, and seeing others take time to meet and talk makes it easier to ask for help, whether with a practical problem or with the pressure of a hard season.
Farmers face problems that few people outside farming understand: weather, markets, animal losses and long hours. Talking with people who share those experiences reduces isolation and can bring practical solutions. Hearing that others have the same trouble is a relief.
Groups also share information about local conditions, suppliers, buyers and rules, which no book can supply. Over time, members often swap tools, labor and ideas.
Where do you find one?
If you cannot find a group near you, ask whether a neighboring county has one and whether it welcomes visitors. Some groups meet online in winter and in person in warmer months. A few hours of driving once a season can still be worth it if the group fits you.
Start with your county extension office, which may run or know about groups. Check state farm organizations, a state department of agriculture, local farm bureau chapters, regional sustainable agriculture groups and farmers market associations. Some states and regions run peer support or farmer wellness networks.
Ask at the feed store and library, and search for small farm groups in your area. If you have to travel, consider online groups as a supplement, not a replacement for local contact.
What should you look for?
Choose a group whose members, goals and style suit you. Watch how people treat one another: do they listen, keep confidences and welcome newcomers? Visit once or twice before committing. A group that gives advice without judgment tends to last.
Be wary of groups that push you to buy something or that pressure you to share private information. Confidential matters should stay in the room.
- Respectful, confidential members
- A clear purpose and regular schedule
- No pressure to buy products or services
How do you start your own?
Begin with two or three farmers you trust and invite a few more. Pick a regular time and place, such as a monthly meeting at a farm or hall, and decide how the group will run: a topic each time, a farm visit, a shared meal or open conversation.
Agree on ground rules at the start, including confidentiality, respect and taking turns. Ask your extension office about facilitation tips or help with a room and promotion. Rotate hosting to share the load.
How do you make meetings useful?
Rotate a facilitator so that no one person carries the group. The facilitator keeps time, invites quieter members to speak and makes sure confidences stay private. If a topic needs a specialist, invite an extension educator or an experienced producer for part of one meeting rather than trying to cover everything yourselves.
Keep them short and focused. Open with a quick round where each person shares news or a problem. Spend most of the time on one or two topics, and end with next steps. Take brief notes so that ideas are not lost.
Include time to eat or visit informally, since that is often when the best conversations happen. Welcome newcomers and avoid cliques.
When is it more than a support group?
Some problems need professional help. If a member seems seriously depressed, mentions suicide or is in danger, encourage them to talk to a doctor or counselor, and in the United States call or text 988 or call 911 in an emergency. A peer group is a complement to professional care.
Legal, financial and veterinary questions also call for qualified advisors. Members can share experience, but experience is not a substitute for expert advice.
Key takeaways
- Check your extension office, farm organizations and state agriculture department for existing groups.
- Visit a group once or twice and look for respect and confidentiality.
- To start your own, begin with a few trusted farmers and set ground rules.
- Use peer groups alongside, not instead of, professional help.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.