Why Mental Health Conversations Matter More Than Ever in Agriculture | Merle Massie, The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Reference: Impact Farming
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Why Mental Health Conversations Matter More Than Ever in Agriculture | Merle Massie, The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Mental health in agriculture is a conversation that continues to grow in importance and urgency.
In this powerful and honest episode, Tracy sits down with Merle Massie, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, to explore the real pressures farmers face today and why mental health support in agriculture is more critical than ever. From personal stories to practical resources, this conversation goes beyond the surface to shed light on the realities many in the industry quietly carry.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Merle’s role at Do More Ag and the organization’s mission to support farmers’ mental health
- Her personal story and what drives her passion for mental health advocacy
- The programs, training, and resources available through Do More Ag
- What’s new and evolving within the organization
- A candid look at how farmers are really doing right now amid ongoing global and industry pressures
- The deeper, often unspoken challenges in agriculture beyond weather and markets
- A powerful and emotional discussion around suicide, including Merle’s personal family experience
- Risk factors, hindsight, and the importance of open conversations
- Frustrations around stigma, awareness, and access to mental health support
- What gives Merle hope and what she’s most excited about moving forward
This is more than a conversation.
It’s a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health on the farm. By sharing stories and insights, Merle and Tracy aim to normalize the conversation, reduce stigma, and encourage those struggling to know they are not alone.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Together, we can help create a stronger, more supportive agricultural community.
Thanks for tuning in,
Tracy Brunet
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🔗RESOURCES:
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to someone you trust or a mental health professional in your area.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation – Mental health resources, training, and support for the agriculture community
🌐 https://www.domore.ag
⚠️ Disclaimer: The Do More Agriculture Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 or call 911. Check out crisis supports available across Canada here: https://www.domore.ag/crisis-contacts
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About the Guest:
Merle MassieExecutive Director / The Do More Ag Foundation
Executive Director The Do More Agriculture Foundation. Farmer, author, historian, public speaker, storyteller. Champion for mental health in rural and agricultural spaces. TEDxUSask speaker 2023. Two-time Saskatchewan Book Award winner 2015 and 2021. How we tell a story, matters.
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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
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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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