Do More Ag brings farmer mental health resources to Canada Farm Show Regina
Mental health in agriculture will be an important focus at this year’s Canada Farm Show in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Do More Agriculture Foundation will take part in the event to share national programs and resources that support the mental well-being of farmers and agricultural workers.
“Farming is demanding, and producers face pressures like isolation, financial uncertainty, and operational stress,” said Trent Fraser, Acting President & CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL). “Bringing mental health into conversations at events like Canada’s Farm Show reinforces that personal well-being is as important as innovation and production for a strong, sustainable agricultural sector.”
The foundation works across Canada to promote awareness, build community connections, and provide practical resources that help farmers manage stress and challenges. By bringing these initiatives directly to producers at the event, the organization aims to encourage open conversations about mental health in the farming community.
Farming can be physically and emotionally demanding. Producers often deal with long working hours, financial uncertainty, isolation, and operational pressures. Industry leaders say recognizing mental health as part of agricultural sustainability is essential.
According to Trent Fraser, Acting President and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited, highlighting mental health at major agriculture events helps remind producers that personal well-being is just as important as innovation and productivity in farming.
During Canada Farm Show Regina, visitors will be able to learn about several resources created specifically for farmers. One key initiative is AgTalk, a free and confidential online platform that connects farmers with peers who understand the realities of agricultural work. It provides a safe space for farmers to talk openly about challenges without judgment.
Another resource is Hay Are You Okay, a simple online tool that helps farmers reflect on their mental health and find support services. The organization also provides access to 24-hour crisis support lines, including the National Farmer Crisis Line, which offers immediate assistance to those in urgent need.
Do More Agriculture Foundation also organizes community workshops that encourage discussions about mental health and help rural communities build stronger local support networks. In addition, the Hay Are We Okay podcast shares stories from farmers and agricultural leaders about caring for mental well-being in the industry.
“When the agriculture industry steps up to say that mental health is important, that matters. It reminds producers that how they're doing is also part of agriculture, and that the industry is paying attention and providing support. When more of us speak up and speak out, those early conversations make it easier for everyone in agriculture to seek help when they need it,” said Merle Massie, Executive Director of Do More Ag.
“It's about cultivating a culture where we're as likely to help a neighbour who is struggling with their mental health as we are when someone has a heart attack or an accident,” said Massie.
The organization also collaborates with partners across Canada to strengthen mental health support in rural communities. By promoting these resources at major agricultural events, the goal is to create a farming culture where looking after mental health becomes a normal and supported part of agricultural life.
Photo Credit: CFS-logo