Nominations are open for the Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health. This annual award, now in its second year, recognizes an individual, organization, or group of individuals that has made outstanding contributions in raising awareness, addressing stigma, and supporting agricultural mental health in their local community. Created in partnership with the Do… Read More
Most Western Canadians are aware of STARS air ambulance, whether you’ve been to a fundraiser, heard the helicopter overhead, or have had you or a loved one be picked up by the air ambulance in the face of tragedy. As many of us in the agricultural sector reside in rural areas, we know it can… Read More
Yet another undercover animal abuse video rolled out last week, filmed months ago by animal rights “activists,” and released just as tweets and photos celebrating June as Dairy Month began. In the same week, mainstream media published several stories following up on what many farmers had brought forward at the Standing Committee on Agriculture: that… Read More
The Agriculture and Agri-Food standing committee released its 16th report dubbed, Mental Health: A Priority for Our Farmers. The report comes after the committee, back on April 23, 2018, agreed to undertake a study on mental health challenges in the agriculture community. From June 13, 2018 to January 29, 2019 — the committee heard testimony… Read More
The Do More Ag Foundation has announced the hiring of Adelle Stewart as its new executive director. The not-for-profit organization focuses on mental health in agriculture across Canada. “We’re excited to have her on board to help lead the foundation even further,” says co-founder Himanshu Singh. “Adelle brings an important combination of operational experience and the… Read More
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and its members are calling on farmers and allies to contact their government representative over the increase in animal rights activists’ activities and the lack of prosecution of charges. There has been a marked increase in activist activity on farms and roadsides in Ontario over the past few months. At… Read More
Several Ontario producer groups and at least one lawyer are sounding the alarm on animal rights activists getting off scot-free in the province. Livestock producer groups are speaking out after a court decision this week to drop charges against an animal rights activist who recorded her trespassing on a Lucan-area hog farm multiple times in… Read More
Economic health. Physical health. Environmental health. These are all factors we consider when looking at our overall health on the farm, but how often do we take a look at our mental health? We all know that farming is stressful, especially since it involves unpredictable variables such as weather, markets, and family. Farmers across the… Read More
So you’re on track, you have found your groove and have finally carved out the time for an exercise routine. In fact, you rarely miss a workout, but along with that training comes the aching muscles and joints. Now is the perfect time to create a recovery plan. It’s important to take recovery as seriously… Read More
The Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is launching a video series focusing on mental health for farmers, their families and rural communities. The videos, featuring information and advice from farmers and leaders in the agriculture sector, will be posted on twitter via @OMAFRA and the ministry’s website throughout the season. “When we… Read More
Is diet a four-letter word? Really, instead of a “diet” being viewed as only a way and means of reducing body shape and size, it’s all the things we eat and drink — regardless of a goal or outcome. Our diets don’t need to be overtly restrictive and exercise need not be punishment, says dietitian… Read More
Farm Management Canada (FMC) is about to start a national study of the connection between mental health and farm business management, but they need industry help. They’re requesting those in agriculture, business management, or the mental health field to submit expressions of interest to be involved in the study which is planned to start April… Read More
Is changing the way you eat or perhaps trying the whole workout thing a goal of yours for this year? Well, look no further than the FitFarmer podcast with co-hosts Shaun Haney and Gary Chambers, who farms and stays fit throughout the year! On this episode the pair discuss major trends in fitness, and how… Read More
According to Michael Landsberg, when he first went to his family doctor about his depression the doctor said, in effect, “You’re ok, I see you on television.” Many people make the same mistake that the doctor did. That’s because you can’t diagnose mental illness with an Xray or a thermometer. Landsberg, a former sports broadcaster… Read More
Through life you’ll have ups and downs. In my eyes, one thing is for certain — if you have a pet (a dog, preferably), the good days will always out-number the bad. Those “bad days” can be something as simple as not getting what you wanted to accomplish complete, or might be much more complex, like family… Read More