Farmer Mental Health with Lauren Van Ewyk
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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Farmer Mental Health with Lauren Van Ewyk
In this powerful and timely conversation, Tracy speaks with Lauren Van Ewyk, a registered social worker, therapist, sheep farmer, foster mom, and dedicated agricultural mental-health advocate. Lauren brings both personal and professional insight into the challenges farmers face and the critically needed support systems being built today.
From stress and financial uncertainty to rural isolation and family dynamics, this episode unpacks what is too often kept quiet in agriculture — and shines a light on real solutions and hope.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How Lauren’s farm upbringing and social work background drive her mission
- The story behind the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
- Services, tools, and resources available to farmers right now
- How farmers can access therapy: cost, confidentiality, and convenience
- The purpose and impact of the Rural Well Podcast
- What “agriculture-informed therapy” means and why it’s essential
- Myths and misconceptions about mental health in agriculture
- How financial stress affects farmer well-being
- The effects of rural isolation and how to reduce disconnection
- Signs and red flags that signal professional support may help
- Insights and surprises Lauren has discovered through her work
- Why she’s optimistic about the future of mental health in agriculture
- A vision for better support systems industry-wide
- How to connect with NFMHA and access help
Episode Highlights
✔ Honest talk about invisible pressures on farmers
✔ Strategies to build resilience and support networks
✔ A hopeful look at progress across rural communities
✔ A reminder that strong people still need support
Farmer mental health is not a luxury — it’s foundational to our food system, our rural economy, and our families. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is help. There is hope. And conversations like this one are how change begins.
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🔗RESOURCES:
Rural Well Podcast
🌐 www.ruralrootscanada.com
National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
🌐 www.nfmha.ca/
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Thank You to our Show Sponsor
Here at The Impact Farming Show, our goal is to bring our audience the people and ideas that will IMPACT their farming operation. We couldn't do it without the continued support of our sponsors that are committed to supporting our show and our shared vision of helping farmers succeed.
Please take a moment to check out this week's show sponsor: Black Earth A WestMet Group Company
Black Earth: The Global Leader in Humic Innovation
Pure Humalite. Proven Results. Sustainable Growth.
At Black Earth, we harness the power of Humalite, the world’s purest source of humic substances, to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and drive sustainability in agriculture and industry. Learn More
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About the Guest:
Lauren Van EwykHost of The Rural Well Podcast, - Co-Founder, CEO / National Farmers Mental Health Alliance
Lauren Van Ewyk is an engaging speaker, registered social worker, foster mom and agricultural mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television and print articles concerning the issues of adoption, foster care, mental wellness and mental health in the agriculture sector.
Lauren works with businesses, individuals and families all across Canada to find hope and healing.
She and her husband raise sheep in southwestern Ontario.
www.wscounselling.com
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* Disclaimer - As always, this information is not intended to provide business or medical advice. To ensure that your own circumstances have been properly considered and that action is taken based on the latest information available, you should obtain professional advice from qualified business or medical professionals before acting on any of the information in this post.
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The Impact Farming Show
Welcome to Impact Farming, Farm Marketer's video and audio show dedicated to helping Canadian farmers excel in the business of farming. Our goal with this show is to introduce our audience to the people and ideas that are going to make an IMPACT on their farming operation.
Show Host - Tracy Brunet
CEO of Farm Marketer
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Tracy and her husband are cattle ranchers in South East, Manitoba. As host of the show, primary producer and agvocate, Tracy is passionate about helping farmers succeed in the business of farming.
In each episode, Tracy chats with today's most successful farm advisors and industry leaders to bring our audience the best and most important ideas.
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