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.

CLICK THE VIDEO FOR FULL-SCREEN

Click the video for full-screen.

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

  • “I wish it was across the board that we could know what to expect when someone reaches out for help. There is inconsistency in what services are offered, receptionist, intake nurses, first responders and doctors using different processes and services creates uncertainty in how a person will be treated when reaching out. If we could provide them with a clear picture of the initial steps, they will feel more encouraged to take that crucial first step towards getting help.“

    Doreen Blumhagen, Farmer, Country Road Chats   

  • “... we're always going to communicate about having or about, you know, stressful times.... it was really easy to add a mental health component. We worked with AgKnow to make sure those resources made sense. But I think that was a really easy way for us to take something that we're already doing, we're already delivering, and then add in a mental health component.”

    Stacey Domolewski, BCRC 

  • “I think one of the things I've been in northeastern Alberta a long time and I'm a rancher and I've also been involved professionally at the College and one of the challenges I think we have, is just the lack of professional resources. Students could be assessed at the college, but then what? $200/hour and 6 months waiting just isn’t feasible”

    Josie Van Lent, RDAR 

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.