IMPACT ON PRODUCER OUTLOOK AND MORALE

83.3% of respondents report that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their overall

outlook and well-being. Examining this response more closely, we found that 70.6% of respondents reported that the impact on their outlook has been negative, followed by 17.7% who felt it has been neutral, and 11.8% felt it has been positive. When asked about the impact on respondents’ physical well-being, 51.4% reported that the pandemic has had a negative impact, 34.3% say it had a neutral impact, 11.4% say it had a positive impact, and 2.9% reported no effect. Physical impacts that arose as consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have also been varied. These have included injurious impacts directly resulting from the virus and indirect consequences of choosing to quarantine rather than seeking medical attention for less pressing physical ailments. and the difficulty of changing the status quo. Concerns about ongoing regional drought and climate change overlay on the COVID-19 impacts, compounding stressors for some. Yet, while producers have struggled with these concerns and issues, there is also recognition that the pandemic “has brought awareness to the value of buying locally and that is a good thing” (Respondent comment). Some producers are also looking back at the changes they made out of necessity to cope with the pandemic as positive outcomes, be they business expansions, reorganizing farm priorities, or onboarding new staff.

The impacts of COVID-19 on producer outlook and morale have been varied, and they undoubtedly continue to fluctuate with each turn of the pandemic’s progress. Many producers reported that it has been difficult

to keep up motivation and morale due to

the volatility of the markets coupled with perennial uncertainty of COVID-19 impacts and responses. Others expressed frustration

over the underlying issues in the food system

that have been laid bare during the pandemic, such as the consolidation of the beef industry Placed in a larger context, most respondents

felt that this past year has been an average to the worst year compared to other years of their

operation: 16.2% said that this year has been the worst; 37.8% said that it has been bad, and 29.7% felt that it has been average. Meanwhile, 13.5% believed that it was better compared to past years, and 2.7% said that it was the best.

18% 71% 3%

51%

12% IMPACT ON OUTLOOK

34%

IMPACT ON PHYSICAL WELLBEING

11% RECOMMENDATIONS

• Support remediation efforts for the meat processing industry.

• Support strengthening direct markets and CSA efforts, including building out online sales and advertisements. Promote messages for people to purchase local food.

• Support farmer access to mental and emotional health services and improve rural producer internet access.

• Support drought and climate change adaptation/mitigation education, resources, and strategies.

Good

14%

Best

8%

Worst 17%

30% Average

2020 COMPARED TO PAST YEARS

38% Bad