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
All workplaces require give and take. Communication skills are often needed and seldom taught. A simple thing like the golden rule — treat others as you would have them treat you — can work wonders, but what about the platinum rule? That is, would treating others the way they want to be treated have even… Read More
Many people think illicit drugs are “big city” problems, and that rural areas are somehow more wholesome and immune to issues with addiction and hard drugs. A recent study, however, spells out the very opposite — for a number of reasons, those who live in Canada’s rural areas and cities under 100,000 are actually at… Read More
As the year winds down and many begin to look to the New Year, our Fit Farmer expert, Gary Chambers along with RealAg Radio host, Shaun Haney, decided it’s time to discuss their top 10 gift ideas for those who are looking to get and stay healthy. Although most throw fitness habits out the window… Read More
Rest and refocus are key to going forward with your fitness plan now that harvest is over. With work slowing down a bit, it’s easy to get out of a fitness routine, but not to worry because with a little effort and planning, you’ll be back in the saddle in no time. Fit Farmer co-host… Read More
It’s nice to receive recognition from your peers. It is particularly nice when your peers are also your friends and the recognition occurs in a place of special emotional significance. All these things came together for Elaine Froese during last week’s Agriculture Excellence Conference held at Winnipeg, Man. It was in the ballroom of the… Read More
Many changes come as a result of crisis of one sort or another. Sometimes the threat is obvious, like an across-the-industry drop in revenue, and sometimes it can be more subtle and fly under the radar. Farm Management Canada came into being in 1992 in response to a financial crisis that was facing the agriculture… Read More
The Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF) recently launched its first awareness campaign dubbed, It Starts With Me. The campaign aims to change the conversation around mental health within agriculture and to showcase how everyone has a role when it comes to ending the stigma around struggling with mental health. “We each can promote change by… Read More
On October 17, 2018 there was a major change to Canadian law which is very slowly starting to ripple its way through workplaces across Canada. Farms are included in this workplace change but the question is are farmers ready for the change that is about to sweep over them? RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney dives… Read More
I’m worried about the tone of many conversations I’ve had with dairy farmers recently. Following on the heels of the latest trade deal, many farmers are angry, feeling steamrolled, or, quite frankly, are afraid that their very livelihood is being threatened. It’s not just dairy farmers feeling the pinch, of course — farming carries a … Read More
Starting today, if you live in a rural community and want to take a mental health first-aid course, there will be funding provided. The Do More Agriculture foundation (DMAF) along with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) will be giving rural community members the opportunity to apply for funding if you’re interested in organizing mental health first… Read More
A new mental health program for farmers called In The Know is being piloted this month in Ontario. Three versions of the program — developed over the past year at the University of Guelph with PhD candidate Briana Hagen and the guidance of a 30-member advisory committee consisting of farmers, veterinarians, mental health experts and… Read More