Murray Wood: Signs of spring appearing in Saskatchewan
Murray Wood says signs of spring were all over the place on the weekend, even though the forecast remains wintery for th...
The SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network has taken over the phones at the Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line, allowing producers to connect to counsellors who know farming firsthand.
“All of our counsellors have an agricultural background, and we’ve done the research for you,” said Cynthia Beck, a registered psychologist and co-director of SaskAgMatters.
Read more:
- SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network to manage Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line
- Data from Farm Stress Line shows slightly less calls in 2025
- Fertilizer spike hits Sask. farmers ahead of seeding
“These folks are legitimate. They’re professionally trained. Some of them are even actively farming themselves.”
During an interview on The Evan Bray Show, Beck explained that for farmers in the middle of a stressful season, talking to someone who understands the realities of farm life can make all the difference.
“Calling and having a chat with someone who has the ability to listen without judgment, listen with a bit of comprehension as to what the farmer or rancher might be facing, is really important,” Beck said.
Listen to the full interview with Beck:
She said counsellors meet producers where they are — literally.
“They can talk to you while you’re in your tractor doing chores,” Beck explained. “They can meet with you virtually, so you could do the virtual call from your cell phone while you are working in the shop.”
Language accessibility is another priority, Beck explained, with the stress line offering services in both of Canada’s official languages.
“We still actually have a French-speaking farming population in Saskatchewan that people may not realize, so having that language availability is important,” she said.
The change comes as part of a new funding partnership between the provincial and federal governments, with $200,000 in annual funding supporting the line. The move helps ensure that farmers, ranchers and their families have continued access to confidential support without worrying about costs.
Beck said she often compares mental health care to farm maintenance. Ignoring small problems today can lead to bigger crises tomorrow.
“Call before it’s a crisis,” she advised. “It sets you up for success, which not only helps you, it helps your family. It helps your farm. If you have livestock, it actually helps your livestock when we have better-maintained mental health.”
With SaskAgMatters now at the helm, Beck said the Farm Stress Line is a direct connection to someone who is ready to help, and truly understands life on the farm.
The line remains confidential and available 24/7 at 1-800-667-4442.
