Due to the overwhelming response of Therapists requesting to join our network, we have put a temporary pause on accepting new submissions. We encourage you to return in the future when we reopen. Thank you for your support and continue doing great work in our communities.
Thank you,
AgKnow Team.
Community starts with connection
Farmers are, by their very nature, problem-solvers - and this makes them the true experts. In an industry where peer-to-peer support is everything, earning the trust of the farming community starts with the simple act of listening.
Connect Authentically
Farmers can speak a whole different language - let us help you learn it.
Unique clientele
Farmers are facing unexpected challenges every season - you can be part of the solution
Real Impact
Assess your local situation to authentically connect with rural Albertan communities and stakeholders.
We’re all someone’s neighbour
With one psychologist for every 28,500 rural dwellers, it’s not always easy to provide farmers and farming families with the help they need in a timely manner. Additionally, one of the main reasons farmers don’t seek help is because they’re concerned that mental health professionals would not understand their needs or the types of problems they face due to the nature of their work as farmers or what we call a lack of cultural competency.
We’re working to change that.
With a focus on boosting the availability of rural mental health services, and harnessing professional development opportunities backed with leading-edge research, AgKnow is building a network of mental health experts who understand the unique needs of farmers and rural clients.
20%
of farmers are experiencing moderate to severe anxiety disorders
43%
of farmers are experiencing mild to severe anxiety disorders
83%
of farmers had lower resilience scores than the U.S general population
76%
of farmers are experiencing moderate or high-stress levels
1 in 4
Canadian farmers felt their life was not worth living, wished they were dead or thought of taking their own life in the last 12 months.
*Source: 2021 Survey of Farmer Mental Health in Canada
Rooted in Wellness
In an industry where farmers are expected to adapt to weather, politics, technology and timetables, the best advice comes from those who understand exactly what you're going through.
By establishing valuable peer-to-peer relationships, and giving mental health professionals a firsthand insight into the unique stressors of the agricultural sector, AgKnow can help you earn the trust of the farming community so that you can do what you do best - make a positive difference in the lives of your clients.
Unique Farming Stressors Right Now
Livestock Depopulation
The relationship between farmers and their livestock is not simple or static. Depopulation refers to the killing of animals efficiently and quickly under extenuating circumstances, such as animals with a zoonotic disease, during rapidly spreading outbreaks, or when animals are isolated by natural disasters. As you can imagine, the effects of these depopulation events are traumatic for the farmers, their families, and their livelihood.
Farm Transition
With the average age of a farmer being 55, there will be a lot of farmers looking to retire in the next 20 - 25 years.
However, many farmers don’t have a succession plan in place, and the future of their farms and land is unknown, which puts so much pressure, stress, and confusion on the farmer and their families.
THE NATURE OF FARMING
Combo of isolation, lack of finances to fix equipment, and changes in government policy are just a few problems farmers face on the farm.
There is no separation between work and life because the farm is their life. They look out the window and see everything that needs to be done. This can cause anxiety, depression and chronic stress.
Nate Horner Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“…we know it hasn't been easy, and the stress of farming can take its toll. When stress goes on for a long period of time it can have mental, emotional, behavioural and physical effects. That is why we will also continue to support organizations like AgKnow and their ongoing work to provide agriculture-specific mental health support through the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network…”
steps to
Join the Network
We’ll meet with you to talk about your qualifications, experience and goals as part of the AgKnow network.
Complete your application
Applications are currently closed until Fall 2023. Join our waitlist to be notified when applications open again.
Schedule an Interview
Once you’ve been accepted, your bio and booking link go live on our site! Now you start building your client base, participating in the network & making a postive impact across Alberta.
Get Accepted
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READ OUR WHITE PAPER
In April 2022 we released a white paper in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson at the University of Alberta. Focusing on recovery-oriented approaches to support Albertan farmers for sustainable futures.