2023 Impact Report.
2023 has unfolded with its own set of challenges for the agricultural community, each adding complexity to the already demanding life of farming. From unpredictable climate shifts affecting yields to ongoing global market pressures, our farmers have shown remarkable resilience. These challenges underscore the ongoing necessity of prioritizing mental health and wellness in agriculture through proactive awareness, community building, and resources.
This year, our team at The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag), bolstered by the unwavering support of our partners, has continued to drive our mission forward with renewed commitment and energy. We're immensely grateful for the collaborative efforts that have enabled us to make significant strides in supporting our community.
A key highlight of the year was the introduction of AgTalk, a free peer-to-peer support platform powered by Togetherall that provides a safe and anonymous space where individuals 16+ can connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who understand their unique experiences. AgTalk is more than just a platform; it's a community where farmers and those in the agricultural sector can connect, share experiences, and access mental health resources tailored to their unique needs.
Our #WalkWithMe campaign also made a significant impact. This global initiative successfully raised awareness about the mental health challenges faced in agriculture, reaching numerous individuals and communities. It not only brought attention to the issue but also fostered a sense of solidarity and support among participants.
As we reflect on the achievements and learnings of 2023, we are inspired to continue building on these foundations to make 2024 even more impactful. Our journey is ongoing, and with the sustained collaboration of our incredible partners and the unwavering spirit of our community, the future holds promising opportunities for advancing mental wellness in agriculture.
Community Fund 2023
In 2023, our Community Fund, proudly sponsored by Farm Credit Canada, reached new heights in its mission to enhance mental health literacy in agriculture. This year marked a significant evolution in our outreach, thanks to the enthusiastic response from communities across Canada.
We were thrilled to receive 135 applications from various communities across Canada, a testament to the growing awareness and need for mental health education in agriculture. This year, our sessions expanded to include an array of impactful programs: our foundational Talk Ask Listen workshop, the vital Mental Health First Aid, In The Know, topic-specific virtual sessions, and notably, our AgCulture program that trains mental health professionals on agriculture.
We successfully conducted 32 workshops from coast to coast to coast across the country. An increase from the 24 last year!
AgTalk
"Using AgTalk has been so helpful for me. It's like having a supportive farming community in my pocket, always there when I need advice, understanding, or just a listening ear from people who really get what I'm going through."
Ambassador Program
2023 brought us another fantastic achievement – the spotlight on our incredible ambassadors. We received an overwhelming response with over 62 applicants, and we're grateful to everyone who showed interest and took the time to apply. From this talented pool, we have assembled a dynamic team of over 15 ambassadors representing regions across Canada, from Vancouver Island to the Yukon, all the way to Newfoundland. We are thrilled to have these dedicated individuals on board, each ready to amplify the conversation about mental health in agriculture in their respective communities.
#WalkWithMe
In collaboration with Chris Manley, The Do More Agriculture Foundation was proud to bring the #WalkWithMe campaign to Canada in 2023. This global initiative, spanning from October 10th to 20th, aimed to shed light on mental health issues, pay tribute to those affected by mental illnesses, and remember the lives lost to suicide in the agricultural community. It was a call to unite, share stories, and walk together in solidarity across the globe.
The response to the #WalkWithMe campaign was incredibly heartening. Individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, France and more joined in. We are deeply thankful to each person who participated by sharing their stories, walking in unity, and contributing donations. This collective effort was further amplified by BASF's generous match of the first $10,000, helping us raise a remarkable total of $40,000. These funds are crucial in fortifying the mental wellbeing of our agricultural community. They aid in increasing awareness, building unity, and providing vital resources.
Workshop
With the collaboration of agricultural businesses, community leaders and mental health professionals, we successfully hosted 47 workshops across Canada. These sessions have not only demonstrated, but also amplified the growing commitment within our community to engage in open dialogues about mental health with over 900 plus attendees.
We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and participation of all involved. Each workshop is a step forward in our mission to foster a better understanding and stronger support network for mental health within the agricultural community.
Mental Health Support Stickers
In our ongoing effort to make mental health resources more accessible to the agricultural community, we continued distribution of our Mental Health Support Stickers. Designed for versatility and ease of use, these stickers have been placed in a variety of locations - from equipment cabs and toolboxes to notebooks, fridges, and vehicles across Canada. With a simple scan, individuals are directed to agricultural-specific mental health support tailored to their province or territory.
This year, we've distributed a remarkable 14,800 stickers nationwide, leading to 386 scans. This is an increase from 4,000 stickers and 285 scans in the previous year is a testament to the growing awareness and need for mental health support in our community. Moreover, the visibility of these stickers serves as a conversation starter and a sign of willingness to discuss mental health, fostering a more open and supportive environment.
Ag Shows and Speaking Engagements
This year, in addition to our workshops, we took part in 50 speaking engagements, webinars, and panels, engaging with a wide range of audiences and sharing our mission and insights on mental health in agriculture.
Attending various trade shows across Canada provided us with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with farmers and the wider agricultural community. These events were more than just platforms to speak and share information; they were crucial for listening and understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences within the agricultural sector.
Our presence at these events, ranging from British Columbia to Atlantic Canada, allowed us to gather insights into the evolving challenges and needs facing the agricultural sector, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, economic pressures, and extreme weather conditions. A key focus for us has been to listen attentively to producers, industry leaders, clinicians, and organizations to help shape our understanding of the role Do More Ag should play in addressing the mental health needs of the agricultural community.
As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful for the numerous opportunities to meet, learn from, and support our community face-to-face, strengthening our commitment to enhancing mental health support in agriculture.
Mental Health Research Project
We completed our comprehensive research project, undertaken in collaboration with Agri-Diversity, Wilton Consulting, Openly, and Bonnie Taylor. This pivotal study aimed to deepen our understanding of mental health awareness, educational programs, and the delivery of resources within the Canadian agricultural industry. A significant focus was on identifying the existing gaps in mental health resources, particularly for traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, and racialized communities.
The level of engagement and openness from participants in our advisory group, workshops, interviews, and surveys has been incredibly inspiring. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping this research. We are now pleased to share the findings of this important study, which are available for public viewing. These results not only highlight current challenges but also pave the way for more inclusive and effective mental health support strategies in agriculture.
View and download our summary report below.
Shop
Our shop continued to flourish in 2023, expanding our product range and forming exciting partnerships with new companies, all united in the goal to support the mental wellbeing of those in the agricultural sector.
We're proud that proceeds from every purchase directly contribute to our ongoing initiatives, enhancing mental health awareness and support within agriculture. This year's growth in partnerships has not only broadened our product offerings but also strengthened our ability to reach and positively impact more lives in the agricultural world.
Circle of Care
In collaboration with the Canadian Center For Agriculture Wellbeing (CCAW), Do More Ag proudly hosted the inaugural Circle of Care Summit in 2023. This significant event brought together 23 mental health organizations dedicated to agriculture across Canada. It was a gathering marked by profound discussions and shared aspirations for the wellbeing of our agricultural community.
We gained valuable insights into the impacts of various organizations, witnessing the collective strength in our efforts. We delved into the challenges we face, understanding that each obstacle is a stepping stone to better support. We explored collaborative opportunities, realizing that together, we can create a more robust circle of care.
The Summit was more than just a meeting; it was a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. The conversations had, the connections made, and the strategies discussed have set the stage for a brighter future in agricultural mental health.
Thank You
As we reflect on a remarkable year of progress in 2023, we recognize that our achievements are deeply rooted in the unwavering support of the agricultural community and our industry partners. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has stood by the foundation – whether by sharing resources, engaging in our courses, contributing donations, or engaging in those crucial conversations about mental health.
We are proud of our accomplishments in 2023, we eagerly anticipate the future. The coming year promises even more innovative awareness campaigns, engagement opportunities, and new initiatives to bring mental health resources to the forefront of our industry. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders across the agricultural sector and dedicated efforts to address mental health challenges in our community, we are committed to dismantling the stigma around mental health. Together, we are cultivating a culture where everyone in agriculture feels empowered and supported in their journey towards mental wellbeing.
Partners
Thank you to our partners for being champions with us! It is with your support that we were able to:
Host 44 Talk It Out sessions on 11 different topics.
Raise $28,775 through the support of our Shortliner Fundraiser supported by Thunderstruck and Clews Management.
Take part in over 71 media interviews to help continue the mental health conversation.
Create 5,797,471 impressions online, which allows us to stay connected with our community and share vital resources.
Raise awareness through our campaign which created 1,434,476 impressions in addition to donated media ads, partners shares, and more.
We appreciate your continued support and encouragement and look forward to continuing to grow our impact together.