In agriculture, strength is often measured by how much you can handle without stopping. Getting through long days, tough seasons, and constant uncertainty is part of the job. But what is talked about far less, is the toll all of that can take over time.
Mental health in agriculture is not a new topic, but it is finally getting the attention it deserves. More conversations are happening across the industry, and there is a growing understanding that supporting people is just as important as productivity. Organizations like the Do More Agriculture Foundation have helped bring that shift forward.
Individuals such as Kim Keller have played a big role in that change. Farming in northeastern Saskatchewan and previously co-founding Farm at Hand, her involvement in mental health advocacy began after learning about a farmer who died by suicide in 2014. At the time, it was not something widely talked about, and there was clear hesitation within the industry. What started as a small awareness effort grew over time, and by 2017, attitudes had started to shift. More people were willing to engage in the conversation, and that momentum helped lead to the creation of the Do More Agriculture Foundation.
A key idea coming out of this work is simple - mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how people show up on the farm, in their businesses, and in their day-to-day lives. When that is overlooked, everything else is impacted.
The pressures themselves are not going away. Farmers across Canada deal with many of the same challenges. Weather, markets, tariffs, input costs, global uncertainty - to name a few. Much of it is completely out of anyone’s control. For a long time, the response has been to push through and not talk about it. That mindset is starting to change, but slowly, which is why it is important we continue to discuss mental health in agriculture.
Advocates like Chris Beaudry, a grain farmer and Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, from St. Front, Saskatchewan, continue to ensure the topic is not forgotten. By speaking at schools - which are often rural, Chris is doing what he can to ensure the next generation of producers understand the importance of mental health. Chris emphasizes that true healing comes from embracing our struggles, fostering connection and safety through recognition and acceptance. All of us have our own challenges, some of which are current and some are from the past, however; acknowledging them and speaking about them is ultimately the way through them.
Stories like that of Cyle Stewart show just how quickly those struggles and life’s challenges can stack up. After moving from British Columbia to Saskatchewan to start farming, he and his family were building a life in a new community without much of a support system. Within a short period of time, they faced multiple major hardships. The loss of a close friend to suicide. A cancer diagnosis in his daughter not long after settling in. Even after his daughter initially went into remission, complications suddenly arose, bringing more stress and uncertainty, before she tragically passed away. Then he lost his sister a short time later to the same terrible disease.
Those are the kinds of situations that would impact anyone. Add in the realities of farming, and it becomes even heavier.
One thing that keeps coming up is a gap in how people are prepared to handle these challenges. In agriculture, people are taught how to fix equipment, solve problems, and keep things running. But they are not always given the tools to deal with stress, loss, or personal hardship. There is a strong focus on professional growth, but personal growth does not always get the same attention.
At the same time, one of the most effective ways to reduce that pressure is also one of the simplest…talking about it. When people share their experiences, it helps others realize they are not alone. That connection matters. It can make it easier to reach out and get support. It is also about awareness. Noticing when things are going well and understanding why. And on the other side, recognizing when things are not, and doing something about it sooner rather than later. The conversation around mental health in agriculture has come a long way, but there is still more to be done. This industry is built on strong and amazing people, but strength does not mean handling everything alone. Supporting each other and continuing these conversations will make a difference.
We all have our challenges. We have all had that inner voice telling us negative stories. No matter what you are facing, be it farm related or personal, know that you are not alone. Someone somewhere has walked the path that you are on and made it through. Let their story help you and then let your story help others.
Agriculture is an amazing industry filled with great people who want to help. It is up to each of us to continue to work towards a future where no one feels like they are walking a path alone.
If you or someone you know needs support, there are resources available. The National Farmer Crisis Line can be reached at 1-866-327-6701. The Suicide Crisis Help Line is available by calling or texting 9-8-8 or by visiting 988.ca. If immediate help is needed, please visit your local emergency department or call 911. Additional support is also available through AgTalk at domore.ag/agtalk, which provides online support and connection with 24 7 clinical moderators.