Mental health belongs in the farm conversation
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, with Mental Health Week in Canada taking place May 4 to 10. These observances serve as an important reminder that mental health is not only a personal issue, but also an industry issue, particularly in agriculture.
Farmers face unique pressures that are often invisible to those outside the sector, all the more so for small farmers. Financial uncertainty, weather volatility, market fluctuations, regulatory demands, long work hours and isolation all contribute to stress. The good news is meaningful, agriculture-informed resources are available across Canada.
Research continues to underscore the urgency of the conversation.
What the research is telling us
A national study conducted in 2021 found that most Canadian producers were experiencing some form of mental health challenge. The survey, led by Dr. Andria Jones from the University of Guelph and carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that 76 percent of farmers reported moderate or high levels of stress.
Those findings confirmed what many in agriculture already suspected. Stress was not limited to a small segment of the industry, nor was it tied only to farm size or commodity type. Mental health challenges were widespread and cutting across generations, regions and production systems.
Dr. Jones and her research team are now gathering responses for the third national survey of farmer and rancher mental health in Canada, continuing to build a clearer picture of how producers are coping in an increasingly complex operating environment.
Additional insight is also on the way. Rochelle Thompson, a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, is preparing to publish research later this year examining how climate change is affecting farmer mental health. As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, the emotional toll of climate stress is emerging as a growing concern for the agricultural community.
Agriculture-specific supports are available
While awareness is critical, access to appropriate support matters just as much. Across Canada, a range of mental health resources have been developed specifically with farmers, ranchers and ag workers in mind.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is one example of an organization focused entirely on mental health in agriculture. Its AgTalk app provides a confidential, peer-to-peer platform where people working in the ag sector can connect, share experiences and reduce stigma. The foundation also delivers workshops designed to help participants recognize stress in themselves and others.
Through its AgCulture Program, the organization trains mental health professionals to better understand agriculture, including the seasonal nature of stress, the emotional ties to land and livestock, and the financial and family dynamics that are common on farms. This training helps bridge the gap between farmers and counsellors who might otherwise lack agricultural context.
National research and crisis support
The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing plays a complementary role by conducting research and developing programs that address mental health challenges across the sector. In 2025, the organization launched the National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line, marking a major step forward for accessible, agriculture-informed crisis support.
Anyone involved in Canadian agriculture, including farmers, family members, employees and spouses, can call 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701) to connect with a trained mental health professional. These professionals are educated in agricultural stressors and understand the realities of farming life. Support is available in both English and French, ensuring help is accessible across the country.
For many producers, simply knowing that the person on the other end of the line understands agriculture can ease the hesitation around reaching out.
Tailored counselling for farm families
The National Farmer Mental Health Alliance provides another layer of support through counselling services designed specifically for farmers and their families. Therapists within the network are trained in Agriculture Informed Therapy, which equips them to recognize the unique challenges farmers face and to offer practical strategies that fit farm realities.
This approach acknowledges that farm stress rarely affects just one person. Family members, partners and employees are often part of the same pressure system, and effective support reflects that interconnectedness.
Tools for building resilience
Farm Credit Canada also contributes to mental wellbeing efforts through its Rooted in Resilience publication. The resource encourages readers to take proactive steps to support mental health, offering practical tools, reflection exercises and conversation starters tailored to agricultural life.
While publications cannot replace professional support, they can help normalize the conversation and empower farmers to recognize when stress is building.
Local and provincial supports matter too
Many of the resources available to farmers operate at a national level, but provincial and regional agriculture organizations are also expanding targeted supports. These programs often reflect local production systems, community needs and regional stressors, and they can play an important role in reaching producers who may be reluctant to look beyond their immediate area for help. We have not listed everything here, but a quick online search should help you find the resources you may need.
A shared responsibility
Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Week offer an opportunity for the agriculture community to pause, reflect and talk openly about wellbeing. The growing body of research makes it clear that stress in farming is common, but it also shows that support is expanding.
Mental health is as essential to farm sustainability as soil health, financial planning or succession strategies. By continuing to talk about it, learn from research and use available resources, Canadian farmers can help protect not only their operations, but also themselves and their families.
Support exists, conversations are changing, and no one in agriculture has to face mental health challenges alone.
Training
One more resource from one of our sister companies. For those considering attending the Advancing Women in Agriculture and Agrifood Conference this November in Niagara Falls, AWC East 2026 will also place a strong focus on mental wellness. The conference will feature a session with Lauren Van Ewyk titled Boots on the Ground, which recognizes that individuals within agriculture already have what it takes to make a difference in the wellbeing of those around them. Building communication skills, navigating difficult conversations and supporting the people you care about are among the most valuable investments you can make, especially when approached through a compassionate lens. This session is included in AWC East 2026 registration fees and will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.