Finding Work Life Balance on the Farm

Chelsea grew up on a mixed grain and dairy farm west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her dad and uncle manage the farm and all the kids help out where they can.  The busy family is all too familiar with the stress and anxiety that is created when you work where you live and there is a never ending list of jobs to be done. At the age of 46 Chelsea’s dad, Rob, suffered a heart attack brought on by the stresses of farming, and it took that life threatening event for the family to realize something had to change.

According to research conducted by the University of Guelph 45% of Canadian farmers are classified as living under high stress conditions and 58% met the criteria for anxiety classification. Thankfully organizations like the Do More Agriculture Foundation are bringing awareness to the fact that farmers, like all Canadians, need to be empowered and supported to take care of their mental wellness.