National Farmer Wellbeing Report Shows Rising Mental Health Strain Across Australian Agriculture

The 2026 National Farmer Wellbeing Report, drawn from more than 1,000 farmer surveys, indicates that mental health pressures are intensifying for Australian primary producers. Conducted for Norco and supervised by the Black Dog Institute, the study shows 54% of participants felt depressed or down in the past two years, an increase from the 2023 figures, while a third reported deteriorating mental health over the last twelve months.

Anxiety is now reported by roughly one in four respondents, up from 14% previously, and 15% have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Feelings of being undervalued have risen sharply, with 91% believing the public does not value their work, compared with 76% in 2023. The report also notes that 91% of farmers faced a natural disaster in the previous five years, with many experiencing multiple events, underscoring the link between environmental shocks and psychological strain. Experts from the Black Dog Institute call for immediate, practical assistance after disasters and stress the importance of peer support among farmers.