According to a 2016 University of Guelph study, 45 percent of 1,100 agricultural producers surveyed across Canada had high stress, while 35 percent had depression.

Janet Smith, Program Manager with Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services based in Brandon, says they have updated their website to improve access to their program. The organization offers free and confidential telephone and online counselling and support from counsellors with farming or rural backgrounds, to anyone who farms in Manitoba, or lives in rural or northern Manitoba. Over the last few years, the organization has adopted a live chat service for people who are more comfortable conversing over text.

"We also know that farming is one of the most dangerous and stressful occupations in the world, and so farmers are more at risk for things like depression and anxiety," Smith says, "so having a safe, free confidential place they can call, maybe outside of their own circle of family and friends is really important to farmers."

Smith notes producers are more hesitant to reach out for help because of the pride and independence entrenched in farming culture, and they often work in isolation and have a solve-it-yourself mindset.

"One of our main messages is really that reaching out for help and support and information is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. It can help you, it can help your family, and in fact, it can help whole communities to heal, so we really do welcome and encourage people to pick up the phone or to send us a chat, and we're just there to listen and support without judgment," Smith says.