Every year around this time, I start thinking it's time to reflect. Reflect on the last year, the good, the not-so-great, and most of all — what I'm thankful for. I have started this more than a handful of times over the course of the last couple of days. So, I've turned on my favourite... Read More
Category: Mental Wellness
Mental health in Canadian agriculture is no longer a foreign term, however, there is still plenty of work to be done. A new study out of the University of Guelph has made that even more clear. Prior to this study, there was a study conducted in 2015-2016, says Andria Jones-Bitton, of the University of Guelph.... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you make a choice to change your career, when you have committed to a certain track? What can you do to unite the industry, and break down silos within agriculture? Why is... Read More
Our bodies are incredible things, and are quite often telling you something. Have you ever stopped to listen to your own? As I sit here wondering how I've managed to get sick for the second time within 10 days, not wanting to call in sick, because hey —I already did that last week, I'm taking... Read More
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is welcoming a new executive director. Megz Reynolds, former Saskatchewan grain farmer and well-known online agriculture advocate, has been hired to lead the organization that is focused on being a national leader, voice and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture. She replaces Adelle Stewart, who led Do More Ag... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you decide when it's time to act on your true passion? What can you do to get through the cold winter months? Why do you need to learn more about yourself to... Read More
I've been having this conversation a lot lately, as I'm sure many of you have been too — I'm not sure how we're at the end of December already. Although the last couple of weeks have shown some true winter temperatures, it has been abnormally warm (and dry) in my area, which I'm convinced has... Read More
Change is everywhere in farming and often everything seems to be in flux, whether it's markets, trade relationships, weather, or family relationships. Depending on the circumstances, farmers react differently to change says Heather Watson, executive director at Farm Management Canada (FMC). "Some people see that as unwelcome and unnerving; others see it as an opportunity... Read More
For the second consecutive year, Thunder Bay, Ont. dairy farmer Peggy Brekveld will lead the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the province's largest general farm organization. Brekveld was elected president by OFA's board of directors after the conclusion of the organization's annual general meeting on Monday, Nov. 22. Mark Reusser and Drew Spoelstra were re-elected as... Read More
The governments of Canada and Ontario are funding two new multi-year mental health initiatives, specialized to support the agriculture sector. More than $7 million dollars through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership will go towards The Guardians Network, a new program modelled after the Farmer Wellness Program, pioneered by mental health specialist Deborah Vanberkel. The program will... Read More