AgKnow aims to remove mental health roadblocks for farmers and ranchers

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Taber Times

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the M.D. of Taber Agricultural Service Board Meeting on August 6, board reviewed a request for funding that was sent to M.D. Councillor Murray Reynolds from Linda Hunt, Program Director of AgKnow, Alberta Farm Mental Health Network.

AgKnow, Hunt’s letter says, was established as a direct response to the 2019 ASB resolution aimed at addressing mental health on farms and ranches across Alberta.

“Your vision in founding this initiative has provided the means to begin developing effective, evidence-based, and practical resources that enhance the resilience of farmers and their families, and to address the barriers that prevent farmers from seeking assistance,” said Hunt’s letter. “While considerable progress has been made in raising awareness and advocating for mental health in farming communities, the challenge lies in ensuring the widespread adoption of supports and services that deliver long-term positive change for farmers and their families. We currently face a critical funding gap between our last grant and the anticipated funding for our next one. This inconsistency in funding jeopardizes our ability to provide continuous support to farm families year-round as they cope with the daily challenges of farm life and navigate times of crisis.”

Hunt’s letter then stated that AgKnow is currently in urgent need of financial assistance to sustain the ongoing delivery of services.

Those services, Hunt’s letter explained, include the Free Counseling Pilot Program.

“Since its launch, 19 agriculturally-informed therapists and counselors have provided 123 free therapy sessions to 54 farmers, farm family members, veterinarians, and registered veterinary technicians. Demand for this program has tripled since February 2024, highlighting the need for this service,” said Hunt’s letter.

Another service AgKnow needs financial assistance to maintain, Hunt’s letter stated, is Suicide Prevention Training.

“In 2023, we adapted proven suicide prevention and awareness training specifically for the agriculture industry, launching two new courses and training 14 facilitators,” said Hunt’s letter. “The diversity and distribution of Alberta farmers requires substantial investment in communication and engagement activities to deliver these courses and give farm families the skills to support those impacted by suicide. Funding is needed to deliver these courses to rural communities.”

Crisis Recovery Support, Hunt’s letter stated, is yet another service that urgently needs financial assistance to remain sustainable.

“The recent wildfires and drought risk in certain areas of the province emphasize the need for crisis recovery support,” said Hunt’s letter. “During the wildfires, the AgKnow therapist network (APN) was mobilized for immediate sessions, while resources like a shelter-in-place document adapted from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, along with crisis response cards, were distributed to affected communities. Our goal is to deploy the APN in community post-crisis and provide briefings to mental health professionals on current issues affecting agriculture, but we need resources to plan and implement these tasks effectively.”

Hunt’s letter also emphasized that Priority Areas is another service that urgently requires financial assistance to be sustainable.   

“Our needs assessment and ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders have led us to identify priority areas with the potential to impact Alberta farmers,” said Hunt’s letter. “Among these, increasing capacity to support farmers and veterinarians during a depopulation event, and integrating mental health and agriculture professionals to assist with farm transition have been recognized as priority areas which continue to provide strategic direction and the structure for ongoing work.”

Hunt invited those who wished to assist in financially sustaining AgKnow to visit: https://give.crowdfunding.alberta.ca/72MKTe?ref=sh_fD8xLb_ab_8Jel1JI6lhn8Jel1JI6lhn. 

“Your support will enable us to continue to invest in programs that prioritize the mental health and well-being of farming communities, ensuring producers and their families have the necessary resources and tools available when they need them most,” said Hunt’s letter.

Hunt concluded her letter by stating that she is available to present virtually to the M.D. Council about the initiative, and also shared that AgKnow’s annual report can be found on their website with more details about their mission and accomplishments to date. In addition, Hunt stated that AgKnow is deeply grateful to Wheatland County for being the first to donate $2000 in one time bridge funding and expressed hope that the M.D. of Taber will consider doing the same.

“Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Alberta’s farmers, and the rural communities they support,” said Hunt’s letter.

Ultimately, the Agricultural Service Board recommended the funding request from AgKnow to the M.D. of Taber Council.