Mental Health on the Farm

A mental-health crisis is blanketing farms and ranches across the country, and even though experts say the rate of mental illness exceeds those in other professions, Canada does not have a cohesive plan to track or address it.

About 45 per cent of farmers across Canada have high stress, while 58 per cent meet the threshold for anxiety and 35 per cent meet the standard for depression, exceeding levels in the general population, according to research by Andria Jones Bitton, a veterinarian, epidemiologist and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Her research also showed farmers are Mental Health on the Farm can be difficult to access because farmers oft en work unpredictable hours in relatively remote, rural regions. This is compounded by the fact many are still unwilling to get help: About 40 per cent of Canadian agricultural producers say they would be uneasy seeking help for mental illness because of what others may think, according to research from the University of Guelph.

The agriculture and agri-food industry contributes roughly $110-billion annually to Canada’s GDP and accounts for one in eight jobs in the country, according to the federal government. Yet investments in keeping farmers healthy have lagged. Demand for mental-health programming exceeds supply – if it exists at all. Furthermore, it can be difficult to access because farmers often work unpredictable hours in relatively remote, rural regions. This is compounded by the fact many are still unwilling to get help: About 40 per cent of Canadian agricultural producers say they would be uneasy seeking help for mental illness because of what others may think, according to research from the University of Guelph.

To talk about this crisis, SARDA Ag Research has invited Lesley Kelly to speak at the AGM and Extension Event planned for February 20, 2020. Lesley is a motivational speaker, podcast host, blogger, creator of a snack food company, cofounder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, creator of High Heels and Canola Fields. She is a high energy, positive speaker with a unique ability to empower and relate to her audience.

Lesley hales from the family farm near Watrous, Saskatchewan. Th e farm consists of about 6500 acres on which they grow canola, wheat, barley, fl ax, oats and lentils. Lesley provides marketing business strategy, human resources and accounting expertise. She is also available to jump in the combine and drive truck when help is needed.

excerpts from

1. Tait and Leeder, “With high stress, anxiety and depression, 40 percent of Canadian farmers uneasy about seeking help, Globe and Mail, May 21, 2019

2. www.highheelsandcanolafi elds.com