Rocky View County is encouraging local farmers and ranchers to participate in the third national survey aimed at understanding the mental health of Canada’s agricultural community. The county released an announcement on May 11, 2026, inviting producers to share their experiences to help improve support services for the sector.
The survey is conducted by the University of Guelph in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing. It examines factors such as depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, and resilience across all types of agricultural commodities. Participation in the study helps researchers track long-term trends and identify specific needs within the farming community.
Previous versions of the study have highlighted significant mental health challenges for agricultural producers. A 2016 survey found that 45 percent of respondents reported high stress, while a 2021 follow-up study indicated that 76 percent of farmers were experiencing moderate or high stress. The 2021 data also revealed that farmers were twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation compared to the general Canadian population, with one in four participants stating they had thought their life was not worth living in the past year.
These findings have been instrumental in advocating for and developing resources such as the National Farmer Crisis Line, which provides free, 24/7, agricultural-informed counselling for farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers at 1-866-FARMS01.
In addition to these mental health initiatives, the local community continues to support infrastructure for producers. The Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society, which has served the region since 1974, received $64,973 in April 2026 through the Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program. These funds are dedicated to upgrading bleachers at the Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Centre, ensuring the facility remains a central hub for agricultural programs and community events.
