Researchers from the University of Alberta and AgKnow, the province’s farmer mental health network, are looking to build up Alberta-specific data on farming stress, mental health and well-being, and the ways in which farmers cope. They study team is “looking for farmers, ranchers, or anyone who works or lives on a farm” to participate, researchers […] Read more
Tag Archives stress
Survey to look at farm stress from Alberta angle
Study to explore farmers' levels of resilience against stress
Free mental health training, workshops offered for farmers
Do More Ag Foundation expands programming available
Farmers seeking mental health support will have access to free training and community workshops for the fourth year in a row via the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Factors such as financial insecurity, uncontrollable weather and isolating working conditions contribute to high depression, anxiety and suicide rates among farmers, according […] Read more
Farmers can prepare now to better manage stress during planting season
Nutrition, sleep and communication strategies are key to maintaining health during busy times
Farmers and farm families face unique challenges. As the busy season of planting approaches, the rising demands and pressures of farming are likely to increase stress. Kathy Somers, a registered kinesiologist who runs the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic in Guelph, says farmers should prepare now to better manage their mental and physical health […] Read more
Male piglets less resilient to stress
When sows have significant illnesses during key stages of pregnancy, their immune response may negatively affect developing piglets, making them less productive on the farm. New research from the University of Illinois shows that when those piglets, especially males, experience a second stressor in early life, they are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental and other […] Read more
Pulse weekly outlook: Timely rains benefitting Saskatchewan crops
MarketsFarm — As with crops across the Prairies, pulses in Saskatchewan got a much timely shot in the arm with recent rainfall, according to Carl Potts, executive director of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. “I think pulse crops have benefitted from the rains we’ve had over the last two or three weeks here in the province,” he […] Read more
U.S. grains: Hot, dry weather view sparks rallies
Corn, soybeans, wheats up
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn, soybean and wheat futures rallied on Tuesday, supported by concerns that crops will face stress from adverse weather during the next few weeks. “The grains exploded out of the gates last night and remain double-digits higher… as forecasts turn hot and dry through mid-month,” Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist […] Read more
Hack your brain to reduce stress
Help yourself and others by understanding how the brain works
Updated June 8, 2020 Agriculture is unpredictable, and the COVID-19 pandemic is placing additional stress on farmers’ mental health. Experts say understanding the neurological origins of stress and the contagious nature of emotions can alleviate pressure caused by stress. Why it matters: Fear and anxiety can impede decision making, directly affecting the business and those […] Read more
Report links business management, mental health of farmers
Farm women, young farmers report higher levels of stress, difficulties coping
Ottawa — A new report from Farm Management Canada (FMC) calls for action after determining 75 per cent of Canadian farmers reported being moderately to highly stressed about unpredictable interference, workload pressure and financial pressures. But how a farmer plans his or her business — and associated risks — can help lower that statistic. The […] Read more
Study finds burnout a real risk for producers
The Ontario study found that community involvement improved farmers’ mental health
Glacier FarmMedia – Many farmers in Canada are on the verge of burnout, according to a study, putting them at risk of developing chronic diseases and mental health challenges. The new study, conducted by the University of Guelph in Ontario, found that nearly half of participants felt ineffective, disengaged or overextended. Why it matters: Stressed […] Read more
Opinion: Government takes notice of mental health concerns in farming
Farming has long been considered to be among the most dangerous occupations. It’s a profession where long hours are commonplace, financial risk is real and many factors, such as weather are out of a farmer’s control. Combine that with the isolation and loneliness that can sometimes accompany its rural setting and the struggles producers face, […] Read more
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