Generational differences in farming: impacts on workplace relationships and mental health

This article explores younger farmers’ perspectives on how generational differences in values, beliefs and attitudes impact wellbeing and working relationships in agricultural settings. Generational theory contends that these differences are shaped by the sociocultural and historical contexts in which each generation has been raised. This research is situated within the New Zealand farming context and draws on 19 semi-structured interviews with young farmers and agricultural industry representatives. Informed by generational theory, we found that young farmers experience a generational divide between older and younger farmers’ values, beliefs and attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing, work ethic, relationships and roles on farm. While these generational differences are reflected in what the young farmers valued and prioritised, we discovered continuity in farming culture through prevailing ideas and attitudes passed through generations via intergenerational cultural transmission. This cultural transmission of predominantly stoic farmer attitudes contrasted with the generational beliefs of younger farmers. It resulted in perpetuating actions, behaviours and practices that did not align with their beliefs which affected their coping strategies and willingness to seek help in challenging times. The findings provide learnings and opportunities for better addressing mental health stigma in farming and improving intergenerational communication in agricultural workplace settings. Furthermore, the findings expand the literature on generational differences in farming through a focus on day to day working relationships on farm from the perspectives of young farmers, including those working on non-family members’ farms.