Grainswest - Winter 2022

The 2022 Spring Alberta Seed Guide is now available! Watch for it in your mailbox or find it online at seed.ab.ca The 2022 Alberta Seed Growers AGM will be held virtually on February 3, 2022 . Register today at www.seedalberta.ca/2022-agm-registration. Every day, the couple also shared their stress level on a scale of one to 10. Though the ratings often exceed the scale with a 15 or 20, this served as a release valve for some of that tension and let them laugh about it or simply share a smile. Kelly encourages farmers to spend their winters doing whatever it is they love, especially if it will help them to not dwell on the very difficult growing season. For Matt, it’s being behind the bench coaching hockey at the arena, spending time with fellow parents and kids. For Kelly, quality time with other families in her community re-energizes her, as does attending farm shows and even the buzz of her iPhone. “When I get a text or phone call from someone it means the world,” she said. “You know they are thinking of you, it brightens your day. It’s hard to describe but we need that connection and social aspect in our lives.” She encourages farmers and farm spouses to watch for warning signs their significant other needs help. These include overreaction to minor quibbles, lack of sleep, impatience, irritability, avoidance of people, failure to return calls and loss of appetite. Missing simple, daily operating tasks and a significant increase or decrease in social media posting, may also signal a problem. All are potential indicators someone may be suffering in silence. “When we see those in others, that’s when we can have these conversations,” said Kelly. “They can be hard and uncomfortable and awkward, but I’d take those—having that conversation and those challenges—than not having them, any day. “Ask: How can I support you? what do you need? how can I help? Just statements of reassurance that you care, that you love them, can really help someone to open up.” With a massive outpouring of support from within Canadian agriculture, the mental health conversation has shifted dramatically over the last five years and Do More Ag is leading the charge. Kelly is optimistic about this positive turn, especially when she thinks back to where the industry once was. “There’s lots of work to do, and lots of barriers … but we are well on our way,” said Kelly. “Rarely would you see mental health as a session or discussion [at a farm show], now it’s on the agenda and it’s at board meetings. It’s pretty awesome.” In Taber, Saunders will spend his winter with “paperwork, planning and fixing.” His game plan for 2022 spring planting will take into account the year may go one of two ways. Whichever that is, he’s ready. “This was not our first drought and it wasn’t the worst for our area,” he said. “Weather is unpredictable and it doesn’t always make it easy. I try my best not to dwell on those things I can’t control.” If you or someone you know needs help, visit domore.ag and review the organization’s resources and supports for farmers.