Farmer, researcher new lead of Do More Ag

Nov 05, 2024

Canada’s leading voice and champion for mental health in agriculture has named its newest Executive Director.

Merle Massie will lead the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF).

Massie brings a dual perspective, both personal and professional, to lead DMAF, drawing from her experience at the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health and as an active grain farmer at Massie Panoramic Farm in west-central Saskatchewan.

Massie said she is committed to improving mental health outcomes for agricultural producers throughout Canada.

“I’ve been an avid supporter of Do More Ag and its mission since its inception, because I know firsthand the difficulty in meeting mental health needs in rural spaces,” she said. “I am beyond energized to be asked by the board to take the reins at Do More Ag and guide it on the continued journey of good disruption for better mental health right across the Canadian agriculture industry.”

A distinguished researcher and author, Massie combines academics with community engagement to bring sustainable change. Her vision as executive director is to ensure DMAF continues to foster and grow an agriculture industry where mental health is supported, prioritized, and normalized.

The transition follows the successful tenure of former executive director Megz Reynolds, during which DMAF made significant progress in forging partnerships and advancing mental health awareness.

Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm