Stretching away from the farmyard of Lane Kapeluck and family north of Clair, SK, fields of canola and cereals are ripening after recent rains as area farmers get set for harvest. A harvest kickoff event in the farmyard welcomed Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison and Kelvington-Wadena MLA Chris Beaudry, who farms near St. Front.
The focus was a pairing of farm safety and mental health supports for a busy upcoming farm season. Minister Harrison reminded those in attendance of the importance of agriculture in the framework of provincial and national economies.
“As harvest begins, people in this province are reminded of the continued importance of agriculture to our economy,” Harrison opened. “The sector is responsible for 10 per cent of the provincial economy and 41 per cent of our total global exports. Last year, Saskatchewan harvested 35.5 million metric tonnes, and over the past decade, we’ve had crop production increasing across the province thanks to improvements in farm productivity, adoption of new technologies and innovations in crop science.”
More than 37 million acres of cash crops are growing as result of these advances, but also as a function of the know how and hard work of prairie farmers and farm families.
Harrison remains optimistic for a solid harvest this year in spite of recent rains and variable weather conditions across the province. Since harvest is an extraordinarily busy time of year, he also stressed the need for added caution on the farm of farmers and farm workers, but also by motorists travelling busy road ways.
“Harvest in one of the busiest and most mentally demanding times on the farm, and this means that things can sometimes go wrong,” Harrison cautioned. “From machinery related accidents to slips fall and fatigue induced errors, these risks rise under the pressures of harvest.”
It’s a race against the clock and mother nature to bring harvest to a successful conclusion, but like any race, pacing and self-care is critical. Harrison reminded producers to take time to rest, to hydrate, and to follow safety protocols.
“Farm accidents happen, not because someone didn’t care, but because someone was distracted, tired or thought this would only take a second.”
One of the keys to that brand of safety is by ensuring that the motor is turned off when stepping outside the tractor or implement.
The Agriculture Health and Safety Network provides educational materials and workshops to enhance safety in farming operations.
“Of course, safety during harvest doesn’t just mean on the farm,” Harrison noted, shifting attention to the province’s roadways. “I also want to remind those who use our rural roads and highways to use extra caution at this time of year with large equipment moving down the roads. Whether you’re a farmer moving equipment or a commuter driving your daily route, everyone plays a role in keeping our roads safe. Provide some patience and provide room for that large equipment.”
The focus shifted to mental health care as Chris Beaudry addressed the assembled group of farmers. Beaudry was on the coaching staff of the Humboldt Broncos at the time of the 2018 crash, and he’s been a stalwart champion of mental health in the ensuing years. As a farmer, Beaudry is all too familiar with the strains of farming at this critical time of year on the more than 24.000 farmers and employees who work in the industry.
“Farming is a career like no other with pride in knowing that you’re helping to feed the world and helping to contribute to your local and provincial economies,” Beaudry opened. “Yet it’s one of the most unpredictable and high stress professions.”
The unpredictability of weather, mechanical breakdown and fluid commodity markets all play into an uncertainty than can take a toll on mental health.
“Sustainable farming doesn’t just mean looking after the land; it means looking after yourself,” Beaudry said. It’s important for farmers to be self-aware when it comes to their mental health, and to know that there are immediately available resources.
In addition to the Agricultural Health and Safety Network, the Farm Stress Line is available 24/7 for calls emails or online chats. Calls are answered by trained crisis counsellors through the Mobile Crisis Service.
Finally, the Provincial Safety Day Program, run by the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions, connects with over a half a million students across the province each year. Their hands on safety lessons work to prepare the next generation to adopt safe practices. Other programs are in place to promote mental health awareness and change the culture around talking about mental health.
Through the trials of the coming harvest season, everyone in the province has a part to play, and one of the key cornerstones is approaching farming operations and fall travel with attention and safety in mind.
Listen to the full presentation by Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison and Kelvington-Wadena MLA Chris Beaudry below.