2025 Impact Report.
At The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag), we believe every conversation and connection brings us closer to a future where mental health is prioritized in agriculture—just like physical health.
Over the past year, we have continued to deepen our roots in communities across Canada—reaching more producers, strengthening relationships, and growing awareness about the importance of mental wellbeing in agriculture. As the only national charity solely dedicated to mental health in agriculture, our mission remains both urgent and increasingly supported.
This has been a time of meaningful growth and transition. With the leadership of Dr. Merle Massie as Executive Director and Sartaj Sarkaria as Board Chair, we have continued to build on a strong foundation—advancing grassroots outreach, amplifying powerful stories, and supporting community-driven action.
Across the country, producers continue to face market uncertainty, climate stress, and the daily demands of farming. Yet, we also see remarkable courage—individuals opening up, supporting one another, and taking meaningful steps toward mental wellness. We are honoured to walk alongside them with tools, training, and spaces for connection.
With the support of our dedicated facilitators, partners, and growing network of advocates, we have expanded programs, delivered workshops from coast to coast to coast, and continued national efforts to reduce stigma and build skills for mental health in agriculture. Whether around kitchen tables, at ag events, or online, the message remains clear: you are not alone.
Thank you to everyone who continues to walk with us. Your support and commitment are helping to shape a more connected, compassionate future for Canadian agriculture.
Community Fund 2025
With continued and generous support from Farm Credit Canada, the Community Fund for Mental Health Education has maintained strong momentum in 2025—expanding its reach and deepening its impact in agricultural communities across Canada.
The strength of the Community Fund continues to lie in its grassroots model: communities determine what works best for them, and we support them in making it happen. From coast to coast to coast, the message remains clear—conversations are happening, and they are making a meaningful difference.
In 2025, we received 78 applications from communities across 11 provinces and territories, with 52% applying for the first time—a clear reflection of the Fund’s growing awareness and accessibility. This year also marked the launch of our Community Resource Hub, further supporting communities with tools and guidance to lead meaningful, locally driven initiatives.
At the heart of the program are the 40+ community champions who stepped forward to lead events—an increase of 31% over 2024. Through their leadership, 354+ participants engaged in interactive workshops designed to build confidence, connection, and practical skills for addressing mental health in agriculture.
Build mental health literacy in farming communities
Equip participants with the tools and confidence to support themselves and others
Foster trust and reduce stigma through peer-led dialogue
Bring together farmers, producers, and service providers in supportive, locally relevant ways
The impact is clear. Following participation:
Confidence in talking about mental health increased from 45.6% to 85.5%
65.5% of participants reported actively supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges
92.7% agreed that community plays a critical role in mental health
87% of applicants identified access to support as a serious rural challenge
AgTalk: A Space that Keeps Growing
Our free and anonymous online peer support platform, AgTalk, continues to thrive. Supported by Togetherall and made possible through funding from RBC Foundation, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, and The McCain Foundation, AgTalk helps those in agriculture connect, share experiences, and support one another through the unique challenges they face. In 2025, user engagement increased significantly, with more people accessing this essential resource and finding a welcoming, judgement-free space.
Hay Are You Ok?
We renewed access to Hay Are You OK?, a self-check-in tool developed in partnership with Bayer. This interactive resource allows farmers and agricultural workers to reflect on their mental health, identify early signs of stress, and connect with trusted supports. Hay Are You OK? continues to complement our broader efforts to make mental health resources practical, relevant, and readily available across Canada.
In October 2025, The Do More Agriculture Foundation was named a semi-finalist in Stage 1 of Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada's Producer Mental Wellbeing Initiative for its work on Hay Are You OK?, further recognizing the Foundation’s leadership in advancing mental wellbeing across the sector.
Events and Workshops
The Do More Agriculture Foundation works to cultivate a culture of mental wellbeing with and within Canadian farming communities. Between in-person, hybrid, and online community- led workshops, speaking engagements such as roundtables, fireside chats, and keynote speeches on local, regional, and national stages both in person and virtual, media interviews for radio, television, and print, and via partner outreach, our audience engagement continues to grow.
Our New Podcast: Hay Are We Okay?
In partnership with the AGCO Foundation, the Foundation launched the Hay Are We Okay? podcast to showcase community-led initiatives supporting mental health in farming and rural communities. Episodes share stories of connection, care, and practical action, moving beyond awareness to inspire change across the sector and encourage communities to take action. Since its soft-launch in October, the podcast has been downloaded over 350 times, featuring stories ranging from theatre production and film production to the power of creating spaces for informal gathering and support.
Talk Ask Listen 2.0
Born from the belief that honest conversation can change lives, In 2025, we refreshed Talk Ask Listen, our flagship mental health literacy workshop, based on feedback from facilitators and community participants. The workshop is now available in two formats—a 3+ hour session and a 1-hour version—making it easier to reach more agricultural communities while maintaining its practical, interactive, and impactful learning experience. We expanded our facilitator team to be able to reach more communities in 2026.
#TalkItOutTag: Sparking Connection Through Conversation
During October's World Mental Health Awareness Month, The Do More Agriculture Foundation delivered the #TalkItOutTag campaign in partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada Inc. — a peer-led social media initiative designed to spark everyday conversations about mental health in agriculture. Twenty-nine participants shared Instagram reels using prompts from the Do More Ag Talk It Out card deck, generating more than 40,000 video views and reaching a total potential audience of 440,000. The campaign also secured nine earned media hits, further amplifying the conversation around mental wellbeing in agriculture.
Industry Partners Stepping Up
In spring 2025, The Do More Agriculture Foundation partnered with WinField United Canada to deliver the annual Journey 5KM fundraiser in support of mental wellbeing in agriculture. More than 1,000 participants collectively moved over 30,000 kilometres and helped raise $23,710 to advance farmer mental health initiatives. The campaign also generated significant awareness, reaching hundreds of thousands through event promotion and participant engagement. Many thanks to WinField United Canada
Thank You
The Do More Agriculture Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to our incredible partners and supporters. Your unwavering commitment has helped us shine a light on mental health in agriculture. Together, we’ve helped farmers, ranchers, and agricultural communities across Canada access the resources, education, and support needed. We've fostered important conversations, worked to eliminate fear and shame, and strengthened the well-being of those who feed us. Your belief in our shared mission drives our initiative, and we are truly grateful for your steadfast dedication.
We are excited to continue building the momentum we’ve created together. With your ongoing support, we will expand our reach, creating more spaces for conversation and action for mental health in agricultural communities. While the specific challenges may evolve, our shared passion and commitment will keep us making meaningful strides for a healthier, more resilient industry.
Thank you for being a vital part of the journey.
See the Impact. Share the Momentum.
Curious about how mental health in agriculture is moving forward?
Explore the stories, milestones, and momentum we are building together.