Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing holds National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health

Mar 09, 2023

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) continues to gain support and build resources.

Yesterday, during the CCAW's first National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health, Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced up to $168,440 to help the group spread awareness and multiply the resources available to the ag sector.

She says farmers have a very demanding job and deal with a lot of stress.

"Mental health issues are so often taboo in the sector, which is why initiatives like the ones created by the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing are so essential to open the dialogue and, ultimately, save lives."

The CCAW was initially launched in November of 2022, and brings together national and global leaders in the agricultural mental health field to conduct research, develop programming and education related to the well-being of Canadian farmers.

The mission of the new not-for-profit organization is to lead research and roll out initiatives in collaboration with community organizations across the country to address farmers' wellness challenges.

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Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.