Get to know – and support – AgKnow, local farmers’ partner in farm mental health

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

AgKnow was formed to address mental health challenges that are unique to rural farmers. 

“We are an initiative of the Alberta Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA), a farmer-led non-profit focused on driving innovation within the agricultural sector,” says Linda Hunt, AgKnow Program Director. “Mental health is intricately tied to innovation. Although we received our first grant in 2022, AgKnow is still in its early stages.”

Hunt continues, “Our initial years have revolved around grassroots development, engaging directly with farmers to identify prevalent mental health issues. While there is valuable research in Canada, we are specifically honing in on Alberta, gathering insights that are currently being published. Our focus is on identifying gaps, celebrating successes, and setting long-term objectives.

“Farmers often struggle to articulate their health concerns due in part to their rural lifestyle, which poses challenges in accessing mental health services. The farming culture normalizes chronic stress and anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to recognize when they need help. Despite elevated rates of suicidal ideation, stress, depression, and anxiety, many farmers are hesitant to seek support. AgKnow asks, ‘how can we effectively reach and assist this underserved population?’”

The stats are alarming. According to the 2021 Survey of Farmer Mental Health in Canada report, approximately 20 per cent of farmers are facing moderate to severe anxiety disorders, with a significant 43 per cent experiencing mild to severe anxiety levels. A concerning 83 per cent of farmers exhibit lower resilience scores compared to the general U.S. population, and a substantial 76 per cent of farmers report experiencing moderate to high levels of ongoing stress. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 Canadian farmers expressed feelings of hopelessness, with thoughts of their life not being worth living, wishing for death, or contemplating suicide. This points to the urgent need for mental health support and intervention in the farming population.

“In small family businesses, which is what a lot of farms are, there is a lack of formal HR departments and unique OH&S legislation,” adds Hunt. “Mental health services are delivered differently for ag compared to other industries. That is why it is important for AgKnow to engage with farmers on their terms. Understanding the timing and approach and tailoring course materials are crucial aspects of our outreach strategy.”

She says that farmers prefer to speak with someone who understands the unique aspects and challenges of farming. 

“Breaking down communication barriers between mental health professionals and farmers is essential. AgKnow focuses on bridging these gaps through education, training, and aligning mental health terminology with farm-specific language. By sharing our insights with providers, we aim to enhance mental health delivery tailored to the farming community. Recognizing the interconnectedness of farmers within their communities, we strive to offer peer-to-peer support and foster a culture of remembrance during challenging times, particularly in the aftermath of tragic events like suicides.”

AgKnow’s mission, “To address the unique challenges faced by farmers, AgKnow collaborates with stakeholders to identify needs and approaches that ensure accessible and effective mental health support for Alberta farmers, their families, employees, and communities,” is a vital one, but the organization cannot do this alone. You can help.

“At AgKnow, we rely on crowdfunding campaigns on our website, direct donations, and sponsorship packages to fund our initiatives. While we have accessed some project funding, sustainability remains a concern, necessitating industry partnerships for financial stability. Moving forward, securing additional support beyond grants is imperative to sustain our impactful work in farm mental health.”

AgKnow currently needs to obtain 40 per cent matching financing from industry partners for a potential funding opportunity. Municipalities are invited to learn more and support AgKnow – as AgKnow supports the farmers and ranchers in those communities. Individuals and businesses can donate directly or purchase sponsorship packages. Learn more, along with a detailed and transparent breakdown of how the funds are used, at http://www.AgKnow.ca/donate.

Can you imagine a life without farmers? It’s difficult to comprehend, but that life would be a much less healthy one! So, let’s help keep our farmers healthy just as they strive to provide for us. Learn more about AgKnow online at ww.AgKnow.ca and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.