Agriculture Is Changing. To Protect Farmers From Stress, Mental Health Support Has To Change, Too

May 06, 2026

By Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval and Molly Castle Work

For four generations, the Garry family has farmed in Polk County, dating back to the Great Depression. They’ve weathered multiple crises, coming out on top each time, although it hasn’t been easy.

Dennis Garry, who is 85, remembers a pivotal moment from his childhood that forced him to become a full-time farmer much earlier than planned.

“I was 16 years old, and my father had a very bad heart attack,” Dennis said. “He couldn't do the work anymore, so I took over from there.”

He’d eventually get married and start a family of his own, which included his son Dave. Dave grew up during the 80s farm crisis, a tough time for the Garry clan. He remembers that his dad tried his best to keep the family’s financial troubles a secret.

“Oh, at times you could tell. Pops would be working harder, and you'd see that he wasn't getting as much as he should in crops or whatever,” Dave said. “You always had a sense of things going on.”

Dave, now in his 50s, faces his own challenges as the only child who stayed to take care of the family farm.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.