Farmers and ag service providers needed for Manitoba study

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2026

Farmers and ag service providers needed for Manitoba study

A new Manitoba-based study is exploring “what works” when it comes to supporting farmer wellness, using a strengths-based approach shaped by the experiences of farmers and agricultural service providers.

Led by researchers with the Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health (CCSRMH), the study is inviting Manitoba farmers and ag service providers to take part in interviews or focus group discussions to share farm stories, wellness strategies and their experiences navigating the realities of the agriculture industry.

Rather than focusing only on challenges, the goal is to better understand the strengths already present in the agricultural community and use those insights to build an advocacy toolkit to promote farmer mental health and wellness.

“This research is about listening to farmers and ag service providers and learning from what’s already working,” says Tracy Young, Principal Investigator, Brandon University CCSRMH. “Hearing directly from farmers and those who support them is key to shaping meaningful approaches to wellness.”

Media are invited to speak with:

• Tracy Young, Principal Investigator, Brandon University CCSRMH
• Bryce Fisher, Manitoba Farmer, Research Assistant, CCSRMH, Mental Health Advocate, Psychiatric Nursing Student

They can speak about:

• Why a strengths-based approach matters for farmer mental health
• What researchers are hoping to learn from participants
• How this work could support farmers and ag communities in Manitoba

Who can participate in this study:

• Farmers (owner, operator, farm employee, adult farm family member) in Manitoba
• Agricultural service providers (e.g., businesses, organizations, agencies or services that support farms or the agriculture industry) in Manitoba

How to get involved:
More information about the study and how to participate is available here:
https://www.centreforruralmentalhealth.com/events/farmers-amp-ag-providers-needed-for-manitoba-study-what-works-a-strength-based-approach-to-farmer-wellness