Illinois Farm Girl Studying the Unseen Realities of Farming

Emma Seiboldt grew up on her family’s seventh-generation row crop and cattle farm near Victoria, Illinois. Now a senior at Iowa State University, she is using her Honors Capstone Project to take a closer look at something farmers don’t always talk about: the mental and emotional realities of farming.

Emma is studying Agricultural Studies and International Agriculture and plans to earn a master’s degree in agricultural education before becoming an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.

For her capstone, “Unseen Realities of Farming,” Emma is anonymously surveying farmers about mental health and the challenges that come with the profession.

As a farmer’s daughter, Emma has seen those challenges firsthand from the uncertainty and financial pressures of farming to the long hours and stress that can come with raising crops and livestock.

“I have firsthand experience witnessing the mental and emotional stressors of farming,” Emma said. “It is my goal to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about mental health issues within the farming community.”

The survey is open to farmers and participation is completely voluntary. Responses are anonymous, and no identifiable information will be shared.

Emma will use the survey results to develop graphs, data points and educational information that she will present at the Fall 2026 Iowa State University Honors Poster Session. She is also promoting the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind campaign as part of her project.

If you’re a farmer, consider taking a few minutes to share your perspective. Your experience can help Emma better understand the unseen side of farming and contribute to conversations that can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture.

The survey closes Sunday, October 18, at 11:59 p.m.

Questions about the project can be directed to Emma Seiboldt at eseibold@iastate.edu.