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AGKNOW ANNUAL REPORT 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
“2023 was a year of growth for AgKnow, particularly in laying the groundwork to address crucial aspects of farm mental health in Alberta going forward… The commitment, perseverance, and teamwork of our supporters continue to make a difference in the lives of farmers and their families.”
Linda Hunt, Program Director
KEY HIGHLIGHT – THE ALBERTA APPROACH
Since AgKnow’s launch, 17 agriculturally-informed therapists and counsellors have provided 34 free mental health sessions to 18 farmers.
Our goal • To reduce barriers to service for farmers and their families
KEY HIGHLIGHT – IN COMMUNITY
In 2023, AgKnow held more than 30 workshops and webinars and reached more than 1,600 farmers and therapists.
Our goal • To destigmatize mental health
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KEY HIGHLIGHT – STRONGER TOGETHER
In 2023, AgKnow developed partnerships with Counselling Alberta, EaseCare, and Farm Family Counselling (FCSS.ca) to build mental health capacity in rural Alberta.
Our goal • To collaborate and strengthen partnerships with government bodies, mental health organizations, and agricultural stakeholders.
KEY HIGHLIGHT – IN COMMUNITY
In 2023, AgKnow established an industry Advisory Committee (IAC), which serves to provide strategic direction and crucial feedback to the AgKnow initiative through their collective wisdom and connections.
Our goal • Stay relevant and current with the issues impacting the agriculture industry in Alberta
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KEY HIGHLIGHT – INCREASING RESILIENCY
In 2023, Agknow developed two suicide prevention and training courses along with abridge Consulting, and trained nine facilitators to deliver suicide prevention courses in Rural communities.
Our goal • To increase resiliency in the farming community
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network was established in 2022 with over $500,000 in grant funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership as the result of a province-wide assessment of the mental health support services available and accessible to farmers and farming communities throughout most of rural Alberta.
AgKnow is farmer-led. It focuses on building tangible tools and services tailored to the needs of producers and their families based on resources and tips from real farmers. The Network partners with professionals across the province to get farmers support when they need it most.
AgKnow is an initiative of the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA), a not-for-profit organization working with producers to enhance and improve their operations sustainability through access to cutting edge information, field research, and new technology.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
“AGKNOW IS AN INCREDIBLE ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES FARMERS WITH OPPORTUNITIES, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT, AND FCSS IS PROUD TO COLLABORATE WITH THEM TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES AND SUPPORTS TO RURAL RESIDENTS IN OUR SERVICE AREA.
AgKnow has provided our staff with training, insight, and an opportunity to learn more about farmer mental health. We are so grateful for this partnership, and we are excited to see it continue to flourish and grow over time. AgKnow is a vital partner, and we appreciate their commitment to the wellbeing of our rural communities.”
Kaitlynn Weaver, MA, Outreach Services Supervisor
Family and Community Support Services