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Tag Archives mental health

farm kids gathering sheaves from swath in field
Wheat & Chaff

Farm kids not immune to farm stressors

CASA on Farm Safety: New study shows risks for youths on the farm go beyond just physical well-being

By
They say it takes a village to raise a child. And a new study is highlighting that notion when it comes to mental in farm youth, revealing that children aren’t immune to stressors on the family farm The study, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explores how economic stressors affect the mental health of farmers […] Read more
Would you be able to sit with your thoughts and feelings just a while to consider how you are aging and managing in place on your farm?
Columns, Farm Life

Being an emotionally strong farm parent

Strong-willed and independent people might consider a self-coaching approach

By
Tis the season of farm meetings, where the speakers will talk about business and “keeping the emotion” out of business using data to make concrete decisions. I don’t debate this approach for grain marketing, but I highly doubt stuffing emotions on the farm creates clarity of expectations or happy outcomes. Recently I met Carolyn Stern, […] Read more
Your combine monitors constantly give feedback, but farm owners or managers often don’t share with family member employees how they’re meeting expectations.
Farm Life

How to reduce stress at harvest

Communication, like combines, can get plugged up during this busy time. Here are some tips that can help

By
Many of you who read this may view plugged combines as a welcome problem after several years of reduced crops due to drought. I don’t operate a combine any longer, yet I like the word picture or vision of trying to shove in too much crop too fast as a “thunk” (my technical term for […] Read more
File photo of northern Alberta farmland. (Wonganan/iStock/Getty Images)
General

Survey to look at farm stress from Alberta angle

Study to explore farmers' levels of resilience against stress

By ,
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
The farmer’s fun factor is a choice. Talk about your play options. Then get out and do them!
Farm Life

Froese: Not having enough fun in your life?

Here are some tips to help farm men dial up the fun factor

By
Some farm men are experiencing a serious lack of fun, and this can start to influence the business, family harmony and all aspects of life. Finding your own fun and setting time aside for it is a choice. You can do it. I distinctly remember where we were on a gravel road when my farming […] Read more
When you are planted in a remote rural area, or are far away from city friends, you must be very intentional about creating a new life that aligns with your values and goals.
Farm Life

Froese: Help for lonely hearts

For many young women, moving away to join farms far from home can be really difficult. Here are some tips that can help

By
I received a lengthy LinkedIn message from a woman concerned about her farming daughter who lives six hours south, far away from her former life in the city. It strikes a chord with me as I recall the teary eyes of young female agricultural leaders who express sadness at their lack of emotional support for […] Read more
“It’s no different than hauling out the equipment prior to seeding or harvest — making sure that everything (within) your ability looks good and that there’s not a belt about to break or oils that haven’t been changed.” – Megz Reynolds.
Features, News

Clear, actionable steps to support mental health

Start today to build your mental health resiliency

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Mental health is starting to get the attention it needs in agriculture, but the statistics continue to be worrying. According to a 2018 study by the University of Guelph, 35 per cent of farmers meet the classification for depression, 58 per cent meet the classification for anxiety and 68 per cent are more susceptible to […] Read more
Columns, Editor's column, Wheat & Chaff

Editor’s Column: Is this a farmer mental health movement?

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In 2019, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food released the results of its study looking at the issue of mental health in the agriculture sector. The report, “Mental Health: A Priority for Our Farmers,” included 10 recommendations to better prevent the onset of mental health problems in Canadian farmers and better support those who […] Read more
Tune in to your mental health
Features

Tune in to your mental health

Wellness expert says now is the time to take a hard look at the state of your mental health

By
The awareness of stress and the importance of dealing with it effectively has never been higher in Canadian agriculture, with lots of dedicated resources now available to farmers. Many ag conferences are also now addressing the important issue of how to foster mental health among Canada’s farmers. An example of that is the “Optimizing Wellness […] Read more

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