Keeping Mental Health A Priority In The Field This Spring

Apr 12, 2019

Planting this year's crop can be an exciting time of year, but it doesn't come without its challenges.

Farmers are subject to lots of uncertainty, whether it's watching the markets and trade tensions, the weather, or family trials.

Do More Agriculture Foundation co-founder and farmer, Lesley Kelly, says long hours on the tractor this spring can lead to mental exhaustion.

"Physical and mental health are very, very closely connected," she said. "So whether that's getting enough sleep, taking the time to even during seeding take a five minute stretch on the tractor, or going outside and doing a little bit of a run around the tractor, those things can help get the blood flowing."

She says, farmers should also be caring for their mental health by maintaining social relationships such as visiting with neighbours, friends and loved ones who are able to listen to you.

"If a farmer is going through a hard time, please raise your hand and ask for help. If you see someone struggling, please listen to them. If necessary, please seek the help of a professional."

For more mental health resources you can visit their website.

Source : Discoverairdrie

Video: predictive weed Management saves on herbicide costs and increases yield potential

Gowan Canada is partnering with Geco Strategic Weed Management to help Canadian growers take a strategic approach to weed control through data-driven prediction and planning.

Geco’s technology uses data and AI to map where weeds have been over the past five years and predict where patches are likely to emerge next season. These insights allow farms and retailers to plan ahead and target actions in the most challenging areas.

“Our technology enables the question: if you could know where your most problematic patches are and where they are spreading to, what could you do differently? That’s what our technology makes possible,” said Greg Stewart, CEO of Geco. “Many of our farms are already using our prescriptions along with Gowan products, so this collaboration is a natural next step.”