Mental Health in the Agriculture Industry

Author: Nicole Mahieux, Nick Canning & Kendal Tremblay


Mental health is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of employee well-being, business resilience and community strength. For HR professionals, supporting mental health is no longer optional—it’s imperative. While conversations around mental health have gained traction in many industries, one critical sector still faces unique and persistent challenges: agriculture.


Farmers and agricultural workers play a vital role in food production and national food security. Yet they are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health struggles. In fact, they experience some of the highest rates of stress, anxiety, depression—and even suicide.

This is not just a personal issue. It's a workforce issue. It's a public health issue. It's a business issue.


There are a range of compounding pressures makes farming one of the most mentally taxing professions.

These include:

1.Financial Stress & Unpredictability

Unstable markets, weather-dependent outcomes, and shifting government policies contribute to a constant sense of economic uncertainty.


2. Isolation

Many farmers work alone and live in rural areas where access to social support is limited. Social isolation increases vulnerability to mental health concerns.


3. Stigma

Although mental health stigma is slowly decreasing, it remains a barrier—especially among men, who represent 74% of the agricultural workforce. Traditional gender norms often discourage open conversations or help-seeking.


4. Limited Access to Supports

Rural communities often lack accessible, affordable mental health services. Over 50% of Canadian producers lack high-speed internet, which limits access to online support and resources. Confidentiality concerns further reduce uptake of available services.


5. Blurring of Work and Home Life

Unlike many professions, farmers often live where they work, making it difficult to separate professional stressors from personal time.


6. Access to Firearms

A difficult but basic truth is that firearms—commonly used in farming—can increase the risk of suicide when mental health deteriorates.


The Data is Clear—and Concerning

  • In 2022, Canada reported 4,850 suicide deaths, a rate that has been rising.
  • Males accounted for 75% of suicide deaths, with middle-aged adults (30–59) being most affected.
  • Alberta reported 503 suicides in 2023, with Southern Alberta accounting for 57 of those lives lost.
  • A national survey of over 1,100 farms found that 45% of farmers reported high stress, 57% experienced anxiety, and 35% showed signs of depression.


Mental health struggles don’t always look the same, but common signs include:

  • Withdrawal from social circles
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
  • Sleep disruption and fatigue
  • Increased substance use
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions


Understanding these signs is the first step in prevention.



What Can HR and Communities Do to Support Agricultural Mental Health?

Supporting farmers means building a culture where mental health is acknowledged, supported, and prioritized. Here’s how we can act:


1. Foster Awareness and Reduce Stigma

Normalize conversations around mental health. Reiterate that "It’s okay to not be okay." Use workplace platforms to regularly share mental health messaging and resources.


2. Ensure Access to Resources

Whether through Employee or Family Assistance Programs, local health services, or national helplines, make sure support is visible, accessible, and confidential. If your workplace lacks support, ask why—and explore alternatives.


3. Create Connection Opportunities

Social connection is a protective factor. Initiatives like community gatherings, support networks, and peer check-ins help reduce isolation. Organizations like the Potato Growers of Alberta have set great examples. Attending events in communities can be a great way to have conversations with others and foster relationships.


4. Tailor Solutions to the Farming Community

Rural and agricultural workers need mental health supports that reflect their realities—flexible, mobile, private, and stigma-sensitive. Programs like Buddy Up, which are designed for men, show promising impact.



5. Train Your Team

Mental Health First Aid training can equip workplaces and communities to recognize signs and respond early. Investing in mental health literacy builds resilience and saves lives. There are many resources for workplace wellness and investing in wellness programs improve teams focus and engagement.



HR Leaders: Your Role is Critical

It’s time for HR professionals to lead the change in agricultural mental health. This means speaking up, removing barriers, and ensuring support is embedded into workplace culture—not just during crises, but every day.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our food systems. Let’s make sure the people behind it are not overlooked.


Let’s build a culture where every farmer, feedlot worker, butcher, and everyone who plays a role in keeping food on our tables feels seen, heard, and supported.


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



Celebrating Our CPHR Alberta 2025 Scholarship Winners

By Jessica Jaithoo • February 19, 2026
We’re excited to congratulate the CPHR Alberta 2025’s scholarship recipients! Each year, these awards help us recognize emerging HR talent and support students who are taking meaningful steps toward their future in the profession. CPHR Alberta scholarships play an important role in easing financial barriers, celebrating academic achievement, and connecting students with the professional community that will support them as they work toward earning the CPHR designation. Below, meet this year’s outstanding recipients. CPHR Alberta’s Eldon Emerson Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Created in 2021, the Eldon Emerson Scholarship honours Eldon’s exceptional leadership, contribution, and passion for the HR profession. Eldon received the Fellowship Award in 2013—one of the highest honours in our community, recognizing exemplary service and impact. 2025 Eldon Emerson Award Winner Chine Rajafa CPHR Alberta’s Diploma Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Launched in 2023, the Diploma Scholarship supports student members enrolled in a 2‑year HR diploma program. Recipients show strong academic performance, community involvement, and a clear commitment to the HR profession and the CPHR designation pathway. 2025 Diploma Scholarship Award Winner Mehar Kaur Follow Their Journey We encourage you to connect with Chinenye and Mehar on LinkedIn and support them as they begin their HR careers. A simple follow, message, or connection can go a long way for emerging professionals. Watch for 2026 Scholarship Dates The next intake period for CPHR Alberta’s Scholarship Program opens Fall 2026. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates. Become a Student Member Whether you're studying in an accredited HR program or building your skills through part‑time, continuing education, or bridging programs, CPHR Alberta has a student membership option designed to support your path into the profession. Joining as a student member gives you access to resources, events, and a community that can help you take your next step with confidence. Learn more and join

2026 PD Opportunities with CPHR Alberta

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 28, 2026
Plan your 2026 professional development in advance and discover what CPHR Alberta has planned for you! Below is a brief overview of the programming coming your way in the months ahead. For full details, visit our new PD Calendar , and check your Member Portal regularly for updates. Signature Events Member Recognition Gala – April 30, 2026 | The Westin Airport Hotel, Calgary We invite you to an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The Member Recognition Gala is a formal event honouring the individuals, teams, and projects shaping the future of HR across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, this redesigned experience replaces traditional awards with Spotlights—a meaningful way to recognize excellence in action. Tickets will go on sale soon. CPHR Alberta 2026 Conference: Future-Ready HR – June 2–3, 2026 | BMO Centre, Calgary Our 2026 Conference prepares human resources (HR) professionals to master the fundamentals, embrace innovation, and build executive-level influence—creating agile organizations ready for economic and workforce change. A future-ready HR community. Registration will be opening soon. Chapter Community Events | Throughout 2026 We’ll be visiting all chapters across the year with popular community events in your region. Stay tuned for event announcements and details. Stampede Breakfast | July | Calgary, AB A member favourite breakfast event is returning! Join us to mingle, connect, and enjoy the energy of Stampede. More information will be shared soon. Certificates Workplace Investigations Training | February 17–19 and March 17–19 Presented in partnership with Veritas Solutions. The Workplace Investigations Certificate is a three‑day program focusing on three core training topics. Participants may register for the full program or select stand‑alone courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and no prerequisites are required. Webinars Networking at Noon Join us for one hour each month to explore current and emerging HR topics. With a new focus every session, you'll leave with thought‑provoking questions and earn 1 CPD hour. On February 12, join us for HR Trends & Priorities for 2026. International Women’s Day National Event Join us on March 4 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for a special fireside chat with Layne the Auctionista and Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local . This national celebration of International Women’s Day explores the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how generosity and purpose‑driven leadership can shape meaningful careers. You’ll hear real stories, bold insights, and practical inspiration you can take back to your HR practice. Details ®gistration: https://cphrns.ca/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018615&group= Virtual Sessions for Students Students can expect two sessions each month: one dedicated to building skills one offering practical advice from HR professionals in the field These sessions are complimentary for Student Members. Are you interested in becoming a member? Students receive complimentary membership. Learn more: www.cphrab.ca/student-programs Other Events DisruptHR YYC 13.0 will take place in October. More details will be shared in late summer. Plan Your Year With Us Explore the full list of programs and events on our 2026 PD Calendar.

Welcome to OY Works: Practical Tools to Recruit, Onboard & Retain Opportunity Youth

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 22, 2026
In 2025, CPHR Alberta became a partner to the Collaborative Funders Table and the Calgary Youth Employment Initiative to address under-employment for opportunity youth. Over seven months, more than 60 partners came together to research, design, and test what would become OY Works . That story of co-creation is what makes this toolkit different. Employers shared what they need to know and what tools would make a difference. CPHR Alberta members contributed HR expertise through representation on the steering committee, and participation in surveys, interviews, and protype testing throughout 2025. Attracting, engaging, and retaining young talent isn’t just a workforce strategy — it’s an investment in our collective future. When we empower youth with meaningful opportunities, modern skills, and a sense of belonging, we build workplaces that are more innovative today and more resilient tomorrow. The organizations that thrive will be the ones that recognize youth not as the workforce of the future, but as essential contributors shaping the world right now. A dedicated toolkit to hire opportunity youth gives HR professionals and employers the practical resources, insights, and frameworks they need to connect with young people authentically — turning intention into action and helping break down barriers and supporting organizations to build strong, sustainable talent pipelines. Co‑designed with HR professionals and industry leaders, the toolkit reflects real challenges and real solutions, ensuring it is both practical and deeply aligned with the needs of today’s evolving workforce. - Lisa Watson, CPHR Alberta Board Director, OY Works Steering Committee Member Today marks an exciting milestone: the launch of OY Works , an online toolkit designed to make inclusive youth hiring easier for Alberta employers and HR professionals. This free resource was co-created by a diverse group of stakeholders—employers, HR experts, and non-profit agencies—who share a common goal: opening doors for young people who are ready to work but face barriers. Why OY Works? Too many youth are eager to contribute, learn, and grow, yet struggle to access meaningful employment. OY Works is here to change that. Built with practicality and purpose in mind, the toolkit offers actionable strategies to help businesses recruit, onboard, and retain Opportunity Youth—young people aged 18–29 who are not currently in school, training, or work. What’s Inside the Toolkit? It makes business sense: Read the Business Case for hiring Opportunity Youth and be empowered to influence leaders. Explore the ideas and tools in the Quick Start Hiring Guide . Learn how to onboard effectively and build retention from day one in the Optimal Onboarding & Mentoring Guide and the Retain & Grow Guide . Discover how non-profit agencies are preparing OY for the workplace. They often support employers and employees through all stages of employment. This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about making smart business decisions. Inclusive hiring strengthens workplace culture, reduces turnover, and taps into a motivated talent pool ready to make a difference. We invite you to explore OY Works and join the movement to create opportunities for youth who deserve a chance to shine. Explore the OY Works toolkit: https://bit.ly/3L6SQuF When young people get a chance to contribute, it’s a win for youth, employers and the community. Join us in spreading the word by sharing the toolkit with your networks.
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