Reading Time: < 1 minute The Do More Agriculture Foundation is hosting a series of online workshops on mental health. The Talk It Out sessions, which are being held over the next three months, give participants a chance to discuss mental health issues and ask questions. They will be moderated by mental health professional Lauren Van Ewyk. She is a […] Read more
Online forum offers chance to just talk
Farmers needed for new national mental health survey
Survey closes May 7
Reading Time: < 1 minute Researchers at the University of Guelph are seeking farmers to take part in a new national survey on mental health. The online survey being conducted by the Ontario Veterinary College seeks to understand the impacts of work on the mental health of farmers. Findings from this study will provide further insight into data previously collected […] Read more
Opinion: Pandemic stress and exhaustion are taking a toll on our farms
Everyone is feeling worn down but on farms, that ups the risk of an accident occurring
Reading Time: 3 minutes January is a weird month. It’s an optimistic time, with a new year bringing resolutions and a sincere hope for life to be better and brighter. But it’s also a dark and slow month on the Canadian Prairies — especially in the rural areas, on the often quieter farms so many of us call home. […] Read more
It’s been a long, hard slog, but there are ways to lessen your load
Everyone is exhausted by the pandemic and needs to recharge emotional batteries, Olds psychologist says
Everyone is exhausted by the pandemic and needs to recharge their emotional batteries, says Olds psychologist
Reading Time: 4 minutes Has burnout become your everyday reality during the pandemic? You’re not alone. More than 2,000 people recently took in a webinar on burnout and “compassion fatigue” by Jody Carrington, a child psychologist from Olds. “I don’t know if any of you are emotionally exhausted in the middle of a global pandemic, but I don’t know […] Read moreFree mental health training workshops on offer
Workshops focus on identifying mental health issues and providing support, but deadline is Oct. 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Do More Agriculture Foundation is accepting applications for its rural mental health training program until the end of the month. The program is aimed at developing the capacity for mental illness identification and support in rural areas. Those taking the program receive education to identify mental health concerns and provide initial supports to producers […] Read more
Report links business management, mental health of farmers
Farm women, young farmers report higher levels of stress, difficulties coping
Ottawa — A new report from Farm Management Canada (FMC) calls for action after determining 75 per cent of Canadian farmers reported being moderately to highly stressed about unpredictable interference, workload pressure and financial pressures. But how a farmer plans his or her business — and associated risks — can help lower that statistic. The […] Read more
Fundraising tour a timely show of generosity during a tough time for farmers
Three Chords and The Roots music tour hits all the right notes
Reading Time: 4 minutes Country singer Blake Reid saw how this year’s harvest was impacting farmers in his family and his community. Determined to do something to help out, he created a country and roots music tour called Three Chords and The Roots, with 100 per cent of all proceeds raised going to the Do More Ag Foundation, an […] Read more
Don’t try to tough it out if you’re stressed
Reading Time: < 1 minute Harvest is a particularly stressful time and it’s important that farm owners and family members know the signs and symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression. “When you begin to feel overwhelmed or burnt out, one of the best things you can do is call a timeout, step back and take a moment for yourself,” said […] Read more
Brigid Rivoire Award recognizes agricultural mental health advocates
Reading Time: < 1 minute Do you know an individual, organization or group that has made an outstanding contribution in raising awareness, addressing the stigma, and supporting agricultural mental health in their community? Applications are now open for the second annual Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health. The award not only highlights the contribution of the person […] Read more
Mental health awareness group gets grant
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Do More Agriculture Foundation has received a $30,000 grant from Syngenta Canada. The two-year-old non-profit organization promotes awareness of mental health issues in the agricultural community. A 2015 University of Guelph study found 58 per cent of Canadian producers met the criteria for anxiety; 45 per cent were classified as having high stress; and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
