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Saskatchewan farmers are dealing with record-high fuel costs and harvest delays, with only 41 per cent of crops harvested. Mental health supports are available as stress rises.
Saskatchewan farmers are facing record-high fuel costs and drastic harvest delays, with only 41 per cent of crops harvested compared with the five-year average of 82 per cent, according to the latest crop report.
Late-season rains delayed harvest for most of the province, pushing producers into a race against the clock. Darin Pedersen farms in central Saskatchewan, about 150 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon. At 61 years old, he hopes to farm until he turns 70, but this year has him rethinking those goals. Pedersen started harvest a week ago, putting him three weeks behind schedule.
Record High Fuel Costs And Harvest Delays
Dewy mornings reduce the number of hours farmers can be in the field and increase costs to dry the grain. Factoring in record-high diesel prices, astronomical input costs and degrading grain quality, Pedersen says it is a recipe for stress. He said he told his wife, Sheri, a long time ago that when they quit having fun, they are done. He added that they are not having much fun anymore and it is getting stressful.
Pedersen said there is not a farmer out there that gives up. He added that it is just how do you manage it and how do you keep it together long enough to say they made it through another year. His advice is to talk to someone, whether a friend, family member, neighbour or professional. The Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health compiled a list of mental health resources for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers.
The supports are listed on magnets distributed across the province. Sheri Pedersen said the magnet is a vital resource for farming families. She said she has sent a photo of it to her husband three or four times this year and said she does not care which number he picks, just pick a number and call somebody.
Mental Health Resources For Farming Families
The SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network has noticed a steady stream of calls to the Farm Stress Line, which is listed on the magnet, and an increase in counselling sessions over the last couple of months. SaskAgMatters executive director Alecia Weinheimer said they have been receiving a lot of calls and, for the most part, they are pretty bleak.
The Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line is accessible 24/7 to anyone who needs it, whether they are in crisis or just want to talk to someone about a challenging day in the field, according to Weinheimer. The group also provides six hours of free counselling sessions to farmers, their families and their employees. Weinheimer said they know that six hours of counselling is probably not enough, but it gets you in the door and it gets you talking.
Bridging Gap Between Producers And Therapists
Canadian farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide than the general public, according to Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers. There is still a stigma in the agriculture industry around mental health, Weinheimer said, but more people are open to talking, especially the younger generation. SaskAgMatters is trying to bridge the gap between producers and mental health supports. Their therapists either come from a farming background or have training in the Canadian agriculture literacy program.
The Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line can be reached 24/7 by calling 1-800-667-4442. Darin and Sheri Pedersen stand in front of an idle combine waiting for the fields to dry, as farmers across the province confront one of the most stressful harvest seasons in recent memory.
CTVToronto 
CP24:‘Pretty bleak’: Why this year’s delayed harvest is pushing farmers to a breaking pointThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Saskatchewan Farmers Harvest Delays Fuel Costs Mental Health Farm Stress Line Darin Pedersen Saskagmatters Saskatchewan Harvest Delays Record Fuel Costs Farm Mental Health
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