Dr. Briana Hagen Executive Officer and Lead Scientist Canadian Centre for Agriculture Wellbeing will host opening remarks for the National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health 2024.
Keynote Presentation with Susan Brumby, PhD on Advancing Farmer Health and Wellbeing in Rural Australia
15-minute Break
Keynote presentation with Josie Rudolphi, PhD, on Mental Health Initiatives for U.S. Midwest Farmers and Ranchers
15-minute Break
Tim May, a 4th generation dairy farmer, speaker, and social media influencer from Ontario, will present “What About Farmer Welfare?”
Tim will share first-hand experiences and real-life examples of the unique stressors farmers face, including weather, market changes, activism, politics, and work-life balance, with a special focus on the challenges of having an online presence. Drawing on his role as both a farmer and influencer, Tim will provide insights into global mental health conversations and the history of breaking the stigma in Canadian agriculture. He will offer practical tips on managing stress and protecting mental health online, emphasizing the importance of peer support in addressing agricultural mental health. This session is for anyone looking to understand and support farmer well-being. “A farmer in need is a friend indeed.”
An insightful session led by a Métis elder and knowledge keeper, Dallas Haywood, introducing The Medicine Wheel of Wisdom and Wellness, a mental health tool rooted in Oji-Cree teachings. This accessible approach fosters well-being by guiding individuals to connect with their unique wellness needs. Adapted for modern use, including addiction support, it uniquely addresses the lives of farmers and rural residents, offering tools grounded in Indigenous wisdom for a balanced, peaceful mind.
30-minute Lunch Break
Deep Rooted is a powerful documentary that delves into the mental health crisis affecting agricultural producers across Canada. The film follows the personal stories of four farmers as they candidly discuss the unique stressors impacting their mental health, from climate change and weather challenges to the pressures of succession planning and preserving farming legacies. Through these narratives, viewers gain insight into the reasons behind the ongoing mental health crisis in the agricultural community.
The documentary also includes expert analysis on farm culture and its impact on mental health, highlighting the stigma around depression, anxiety, stress, and even suicide. This stigma often discourages seeking mental health support, further entrenching the issue. Deep Rooted emphasizes that farmers and agricultural workers remain one of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in terms of mental health. By amplifying their voices and humanizing their experiences, the film aims to raise awareness and foster greater understanding of this critical and worsening problem.
The Deep Rooted Panel Discussion will feature producer Van Wickiam, director Kyle McDonnell, and Darryl Boersma, a resilient grain farmer featured in the documentary from Mount Brydges who has faced significant personal and mental health challenges. The panel will discuss the film’s creation, its portrayal of the overwhelming stressors farmers face—such as climate, economic pressures, and succession planning—and the emotional realities of farming life. The panelist will include Darryl Boersma, a resilient grain farmer featured in the documentary from Mount Brydges who has faced significant personal and mental health challenges.
Van Wickiam and Kyle McDonnell will discuss the film’s storytelling and the importance of humanizing farmer struggles. The discussion will highlight efforts to break the stigma around mental health and advocate for stronger support systems within the agricultural community
Dr. Briana Hagen Executive Officer and Lead Scientist Canadian Centre for Agriculture Wellbeing will host closing remarks to wrap up the National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health 2024.