Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) Initiative
The Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) initiative is a new patient-oriented research project funded by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. In this study, key features of a farm-culture friendly mental health support system for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers will be identified.
The goals of phase one of the study are to identify the key features needed for a mental health support system for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. This information will be used to develop a farm-culture friendly mental health program in phase two of the FARMh initiative.
Read Saskatchewan Polytechnic Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) news release.
Project phases
Phase one of the study is currently underway and will run until Fall 2021. This phase of the study will identify key features of a farm-culture friendly mental health support system for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers and inform the next steps in planning a mental health program, resource or intervention that will be designed by Saskatchewan ranchers and farmers.
Phase two of the study, to develop a program, resource system, or intervention that will provide a farm-culture friendly mental health support system for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers, will commence early 2022. Results will be available to view by the public on the FARMh website.
Project participation
FARMh is looking for Saskatchewan farmer and rancher volunteers to take part in the initiative. Interested participants will be asked to participate in a 30-60 minute phone interview to discuss mental health and ideas about effective mental health supports that are tailored towards farmers and ranchers.
To participate in the study, farmers and/or ranchers must own or lease their farm or ranch and be working on their farm or ranch. Participants must be over 18 and live in Saskatchewan.
This project has been approved by the University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board (REB # 2174).
View downloadable poster (PDF)
Project team
Our researcher team is made up of farmers/ranchers, nurses, nurse practitioners, an online therapy business owner, a social worker, a psychotherapist, a rural massage therapist/acupuncturist, a rural physician and executive leader, a rural suicide interventionist, a biostatistician, and undergraduate student research assistants. Everyone on the team has a rural or farming background.
Read more about the FARMh project team.
Seen in the news
CBC: New study looks at how to support farmers' mental health
Discover Moose Jaw: Saskatchewan's New Farming And Ranching Mental Health Initiative Is Launched
Farms.com: Saskatchewan's New Farming And Ranching Mental Health Initiative Is Launched
Moose Jaw Today: Sask. Polytech launches new mental health research project for farmers, ranchers
paNOW: Farmer and Rancher Mental Health Initiative Identify Key Supports
Swift Current Online: Saskatchewan's New Farming And Ranching Mental Health Initiative Is Launched
CTV: Farmers needed for mental health survey
Farm News Now agripod: Volunteers need for a farmers mental health project
Global: Mental Health Support for Farmers and Ranchers
Contact us
For more information about this study or to volunteer please contact:
Michelle Pavloff RN, PhD(c)
Research Chair, Rural Health
Michelle.Pavloff@saskpolytech.ca
1-639-414-FARM (3276)
For Mental Health Support in Saskatchewan:
Call or text 211 (211 Saskatchewan)
Farm Stress Line
1-800-667-4442
Mobile Crisis Helpline
306-757-0127
Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Help Line
1-800-306-6789
Crisis Suicide Helpline
306-525-5333
Canadian Mental Health Outreach Clinic
306-384-9333 (Saskatoon)
306-766-7800 (Regina)
Partners, sponsors and donors
Thank you to our project funders and supporters! Interested in supporting the FARMh initiative? Donate today!
Funding
- Sprout Grant (2020-2022) $180,000 (Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research)
- Mental Health & Addictions Program $3750 (Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research)
