Ask most Canadian beef and dairy producers why they got into the business, and you will often hear about a connection to the land, a love for the livestock, and the opportunity to carry on the family tradition.
While there is little doubt that farming can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling occupations, it can also be one of the most stressful. Changing weather conditions, market prices, and government regulations, combined with long hours and social isolation, can strain the mental health of even the most seasoned producer. Increasing social pressure for responsible farming and the uncertainty of a global pandemic has only added to this stress, making the discussion around farmer mental health more important than ever.
High stress and poor mental health don’t just impact producers – they can often lead to compromised welfare for the cattle as well. As our understanding of cattle welfare continues to evolve, experts are taking a closer look at the interconnectedness between human health and the health of animals. In fact, the concept of One Welfare speaks directly to this connection and suggests that producer wellness should be considered part of a holistic approach to improving cattle welfare.
Although taking care of their own well-being may be an important step producers can take to improve the welfare of their animals, it can also be challenging to put into practice. Social stigmas surrounding mental health, along with a lack of education and access to support systems, keep many producers suffering in silence.
So what can be done to help? In a recent webinar hosted on the National Farm Animal Care Council website, Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton suggests a few approaches that can help support producers that may be struggling.
Awareness and Discussion
The negative stigma around mental health can often be a barrier for producers to reach out and ask for help. Increasing awareness through open dialogue and education can reduce the feeling of guilt by normalizing the stress that producers feel.
Mental Health Education
The better we understand mental health, the better we can deal with stress and adversity in a positive way. Even if our own mental health is in good order, educating ourselves and better understanding the issues will help us support friends and family members that might be struggling.
Stakeholder Collaboration
In order to make a positive impact on producer mental health, a coordinated effort across key industry stakeholders is required. Input from producers, veterinarians, government, and mental health experts is needed to ensure agricultural specific resources and support are made available.
Access to Support
In smaller communities, access to social work and mental health services may not be available. Often producers must travel far distances, and taking the time away from the farm can be difficult. Thankfully, advances in technology are making it easier than ever to connect remotely and discreetly.
National Strategy for Farmer Mental Health
While there are some great organizations providing mental health support to producers on a local and regional level, a unified national strategy is required to centralize services and provide 24/7 support for producers across the country.
Mental health and animal welfare are complex issues with no easy solutions. Often it is a combination of factors that lead to poor mental health and, in some cases, compromised welfare for the cattle. Recognizing the link between human and animal health is an important step in developing holistic welfare solutions.
