The Mental Load of Farming;
Sowing the Seeds of Support
ABOUT
Farmers are no strangers to stress. Unpredictable weather, financial pressures, and the weight of keeping a family operation running can take a serious toll. When it comes to mental health support, too many producers feel alone… facing uncertainty about where to turn and how to seek help.
That’s why we brought together farmers, researchers, and industry leaders for a conversation that had been long overdue; one that put mental health in agriculture front and center. This engagement session was about listening, learning, and finding real solutions that fit the realities of farm life. By understanding the barriers farmers face and the gaps in the system, we are working toward a future where mental health support is as accessible and familiar as any other tool on the farm.
WHAT WE DID
We invited farmers, industry experts, and policymakers for an open conversation about mental health in agriculture, exploring challenges, breaking down stigma, and identifying practical solutions.
Our goal • Promote meaningful dialogue and drive action toward better mental health resources for Alberta’s farming communities.
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WHAT WE LEARNED
Farmers and the agriculture industry need more than just short-term crisis support; they need long-term, proactive mental health strategies. While the stigma surrounding mental health still exists, it becomes less of a barrier when discussed in the context of real farming challenges, such as financial stress, succession planning, or livestock losses. Community support is crucial, as farmers are more likely to seek help through peer networks and agriculture-informed professionals. Access to mental health services remains a challenge, as farmers often struggle with the cost and availability of services, as well as finding professionals who understand the realities of the agriculture sector. To really strengthen mental healthcare in agriculture, mental health services need to be integrated into our existing agricultural networks, like farm organizations, vet offices, co-ops, and financial institutions.
Our goal • Reduce stigma and improve access to practical, farmer-friendly mental health resources.
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WHAT WE RECOMMEND
Expanding mental health services, strengthening peer support networks, and increasing access to agriculture-informed counsellors are key. Mental health support should be built into our agricultural events, training, and emergency plans so farmers can access help where they already are. Connecting farmers with counsellors who understand agriculture, along with advocating for long-term funding and policy changes, will help create a sustainable, community-driven support system.
Our goal • Build a resilient, well-supported mental health system tailored to the agriculture sector.
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FROM PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Tell Us What You Think
Your feedback matters! We’re looking for input on the above engagement sessions and report below to help improve resources for farmers facing mental health challenges. This quick, 5-minute survey will play a crucial role in shaping our future efforts.
DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT
This report captures the key insights from our engagement session, where farmers, researchers, and industry leaders came together to address the mental health challenges faced by Alberta’s agricultural community. Through open discussions and findings backed by research, we identified some of the barriers preventing farmers from seeking support, explored solutions tailored to the realities of farm life, and outlined actionable steps to strengthen mental health resources in rural Alberta.
As a farmer-led initiative, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between producers and meaningful support. Our findings highlight the need for systemic change, expanded access to agriculture-informed mental health services, and stronger community connections.
To learn more about our findings and recommendations, fill out the form below.