Gerry Friesen, AKA the Recovering Farmer, is a co-founder of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program. He comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery through farming and as a stress and conflict management specialist. Gerry’s passion is in helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at us. A combination of his own journey with anxiety and depression, training in conflict resolution and intensive counselling training provide him the tools to help others who are struggling. To learn more about Gerry visit his website at www.gerryfriesen.ca.

In this episode, Gerry shares his story about and the aspects of his life as a farmer that contributed to his mental health, positively and negatively. From his experiences with mental health struggles and alcoholism, comes the book, “The Recovering Farmer: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Anxiety and Depression.” Gerry shares some of the stories, tools and strategies that can be found within his book.

We also talk about some of Gerry’s blog posts. This is a quote from Gerry’s blog post titled, “The Hidden Risk: How Mental Health Impacts Farm Safety” published March 16th on your website, “Farmers deal with countless factors outside of their control—commodity prices, weather, equipment failures, and market uncertainty. This constant unpredictability wreaks havoc on our minds, leaving us feeling powerless. And yet, the pressure to “push through” remains. There’s an unspoken expectation in agriculture that you work until the job is done, no matter the toll it takes on you. But at what cost? When exhaustion sets in, mistakes happen. A missed step, a moment of inattention, or a delayed reaction can turn into a life-altering accident.

The culture of farming has long been one of resilience, but resilience doesn’t mean suffering in silence. We need to start having open conversations about mental health in our farm communities.”

There is another quote from Gerry’s blog post titled, “Coming Out of the Closet” from October 20th that is discussing the stigma attached to mental health, which in part reads,

“Talking about things that are keeping us in our closet takes courage. The word most used to describe the ability to open up is vulnerability. I have used it lots but, for interest’s sake, I looked it up in the dictionary and realized that perhaps I had never fully understood the meaning. I always assumed it simply meant that we let our guard down, to be open and honest. But there is more to the definition, something a little more nefarious.

To be vulnerable is also the susceptibility to an emotional attack, to be open to criticism and to potentially be emotionally wounded. That makes it sound scary and I suspect that’s why many avoid being vulnerable. Its bad enough that we experience mental illness and often question our value. Our self-esteem is fragile so by opening up and being vulnerable we run the risk of having our values questioned and risk our self-esteem taking another blow. So it feels safer to stay in the closet.

The good news is that vulnerability breeds vulnerability. I found it interesting that when I started openly talking about my journey others opened up to me as well.”

We wrap up the show talking about the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, and what that program offers to farmers and farm families here in Manitoba.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Gerry Friesen: The Recovering Farmer: https://www.gerryfriesen.ca/

National Farmer Wellness Network & National Farmer Crisis Line: https://ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network/

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program:

Dr. Briana Hagen is a leading voice in Canadian agricultural mental health. As CEO and Lead Scientist of the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, she combines academic research with real-world solutions, co-creating programs alongside farmers to build resilience and break down barriers to mental health support. Dr. Hagen’s work spans policy advocacy, educational programming, and crisis support systems, all grounded in the lived realities of farmers. Her mission is to ensure that farmers and their families have access to trusted, tailored mental health resources — and that their voices remain at the heart of every solution.

Today Briana joins me on the show to share information about the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing and the programs and crisis line that is available through CCAW.

We also discuss stressors that impact farmer mental health, common positive and negative coping strategies used by Canadian farmers, and some additional positive strategies producers can try if they are feeling the stress and weight that can come with this work.

We also talk about the National Farmer Crisis Line, what producers, family members or farm employees can expect when they call in, and who they will talk to when they make the call. A take away from today’s episode is that, you don’t need to be in crisis to call the National Farmer Crisis Line. You can call 24/7 and there is no cap to the number of times you can call in.

Find the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing online at: www.ccaw.ca

Or on their social media accounts at:

Facebook: Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing

Instagram: @cdnagwellbeing

LinkedIn: Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing

Twitter (X): @cdnagwellbeing

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing: https://ccaw.ca/

National Farmer Wellness Network & National Farmer Crisis Line: https://ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network/

Deep Rooted Documentary Information: https://www.deeprootedfilm.ca/supporters

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program: www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Lesley Kelly is a farmer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who farms with her family in Watrous, Saskatchewan. As the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields, she bridges the gap between farmers and consumers by dispelling agricultural myths and fostering meaningful conversations about food and farming. Her passion for advocacy began while building a snack food company using her family’s grain, inspiring her to create an online community of over 100,000 followers to share stories, build understanding, and strengthen agriculture’s connections.

Lesley is a leader in advancing mental health in agriculture. As a trained peer supporter and co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation—a Canadian charity dedicated exclusively to farmer mental health—Lesley has been instrumental in breaking down stigma, increasing access to mental health resources, and supporting farmers across North America. Since 2018, the foundation has trained thousands of farmers in mental health awareness and resilience. Her efforts have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Farm and Food Care Champion Award, the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Beyond her farm and advocacy work, Lesley serves as a Director for Saskatchewan Wheat and co-hosts the podcast What The Farm, where she dives into topics at the intersection of agriculture, leadership, and rural life. In her spare time, Lesley is running to the hockey rink with her two sons, learning to cook for a hungry harvest crew, or spending time with her husband.

Lesley’s goal is simple but powerful: to build stronger communities through connection, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for both farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Do More Ag: https://www.domore.ag/

Do More Ag Crisis and Support Resources Page: https://www.domore.ag/crisis-contacts

High Heels & Canola Fields: https://highheelsandcanolafields.com/

“Without the Farm, There is No Farmer” The National Farmer Crisis Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7. The phone number to call for this service is 1-866-FARMS01 or 1-866-327-6701.

The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program offers confidential, free, counselling services to Manitoba farmers, farm families and employees. 1(204) 232-0574

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program: https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca/

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address:

Josh Dillabough is a dedicated natural area manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, he’s been with the organization since 2010. When not pursuing efforts to protect critical natural habitat or being coerced into media interviews or podcasts, he endeavours to be a loving husband and dad. Josh is an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys hunting, fishing, paddling and thick rib-eyes hot off the grill.

Gordon Beddome is a cow-calf producer who lives near Shilo, Manitoba. His previous work at the Research Station at Brandon started his interest in the research side of cattle production. Gord has rented and grazed the native pastures at the Yellowquill Prairie Preserve for 25 years and has learned a lot about grazing native range in that time.

In today’s episode, we are talking about the Yellow Quill Prairie Preserve, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Yellow Quill Prairie Preserve is an intact native mixed prairie grassland. Josh shares some information about what NCC is and what their aim is, as well as the history and significance of this piece of land. Gordon shares information on the grazing history of this land, from his 25 years of experience renting and grazing cattle here. Gordon also shares a bit about his grazing plan, stocking rate, grazing rotation and things he has to keep in mind when grazing native pastures.

We chat about some of the species at risk that call this pasture home and how Gord sets up his rotation to ensure the best care is given to the native plants and wildlife. Along with this, we discuss some of the other challenges that come with this land. Brush encroachment, leafy spurge and areas of bush pasture are all items that can create challenges. Gord shares his experience working with nature, use of prescribed fire and how he has tried to manage these challenges.

To contact Josh call 1-877-231-3552 Ext. 4303

Links mentioned in this episode:

Nature Conservancy of Canada: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/

Facebook: @Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada

X (Twitter) : @NCC_CNC

LinkedIn: @Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada

Instagram: @ncc_cnc

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Tyler Fulton and his wife, Dorelle, along with their kids Evan and Mae own and operate Tyton Farm Ltd, a 600 head cow/calf/backgrounding operation south of Birtle, MB.

The farm operates about 6000 acres in prairie pothole country, which consists of mostly tame pasture, hay, and some annual crops. Tyler has spent most of his off-farm career in the field of livestock price risk management after he received a degree in Agribusiness from the University of Manitoba. He is passionate about improving the tools and programs available for cattle producers to manage risk on their operations.

Tyler currently serves as a Director with Manitoba Beef Producers and has newly taken on the role as the President of the Canadian Cattle Association.

In today’s episode, Tyler gives us a broad overview of the current tariff situation and where this stands at our April 11, 2025 recording date. We discuss the current state of the Canadian government and how this puts Canada at a higher risk during the uncertainty of the tariff situation.

We are hoping today to steer away from speculation of what might happen with future tariffs, or what we think might be going to happen. Instead, Tyler, shares some information about the work the Canadian Cattle Association is doing to advocate for the Canadian Beef Industry given this situation. We discuss the timeline of how quickly implementation of tariffs would impact primary producers in the beef sector.

While there are a lot of unknowns and uncertainties, there are some things producers can do to mitigate risk, like using the Agristability Program, using Advance Program Payments and Livestock Price Insurance. Tyler shares information about all three of these risk mitigation strategies.

Tyler gives some reflections on the trip he took to Washington to meet with members of the House of Representatives and Senators and their staff, as well as USDA representatives and the takeaways from these conversations, which were positive and hopeful.

We recognize that the uncertainties of the tariff situation is another thing on the minds and shoulders of our Canadian Farmers. The Beef & Forage Roundup Podcast will be releasing a mini series through the month of May on the topic of Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture, which coincides with the 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week in Canada which is May 5-11th. Through the month of May, we will be sharing stories of producers’ mental health journeys, as well as sharing information about resources that are available at no cost to farmers, farm families and farm employees here in Canada. We all know someone who is struggling with their mental health and we are hoping to help reduce the stigma of asking for help.

To contact Tyler, reach out on social media at: @etfulton on X or by searching for Tyler Fulton on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach him on his cell phone at: 204-842-3353.

Links mentioned in this episode:

For the most up to take information on tariffs, visit the Canadian Cattle Association’s Action News: https://www.cattle.ca/news-and-events/action-news

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on...

Mary-Jane leads a dedicated team at MBFI to advance Manitoba’s beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, conservation groups, and all stakeholders in field-testing management practices and growing understanding of improved production in Manitoba. Mary-Jane holds a PhD from Purdue University in soil microbial ecology in agricultural systems, is a Professional Agrologist, and Certified Crop Advisor. Her experience in ecology and field agronomy gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing agriculture today.

To start off today, Mary-Jane shares some of the things she considers when planning winter feed for MBFI’s cattle herd. We then discuss some of the alternate winter feeding ideas they have used at MBFI to reduce winter feeding costs and how this might vary year to year based on the growing season. Knowing how high winter feed costs can be, we chat about ways to reduce feed waste, and which strategies have yielded the most and least “waste.”

Mary-Jane also shares information on feed testing. Beef Cattle Research Council has an excellent resource page on feed testing practices, you can find the link below.

We also discuss the 2024 silage variety trial and what the preliminary outcomes of this research, as well as what is next to come for this in the 2025 growing season.

For more info on winter feeding strategies and analysis tune in to:

Beef & Forage Roundup Episode #15: Extended Grazing at Brookdale Farm with Shawn Cabak

Beef & Forage Roundup Episode #16: The Cost of Overwintering Cattle & Feed Calculator with Ben Hamm

Beef & Forage Roundup Episode #18: Bale Placement & Binding with Dr. Mary-Jane Orr

Links mentioned in this episode:

BCRC Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis: https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/feed-testing-analysis-for-beef-cattle/

MBFI YouTube Webinar Series: https://www.youtube.com/@MBBeefandForage

CowBytes Information Link: https://www.beefresearch.ca/cowbytes/

MB Ag Extension Contact Information: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-management/forages/contacts.html

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Dr. Christy Morrissey is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on issues related to agricultural pesticides and other chemicals and the use of birds and insects as indicators of ecosystem health.

Dr. Morrissey has published over 95 highly cited journal articles and book chapters and in 2020 was named to the Royal Society College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Her work has also been featured broadly in the national and international media and documentaries (CBC, BBC, National Geographic, Nature of Things, and The Messenger film).

She is currently co-leading the NSERC funded Prairie Precision Sustainability Network Marginal Land Solutions project and the Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab to implement Nature-based solutions to improve sustainable agricultural production.

To start off today, Christy shares a bit about her background and her interest in agricultural pesticides and the impact of environmental contaminants on birds and insects.

We chat about her work with the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network and how they are looking at the the environmental and ecological threats to cultivating marginal farm land, and solutions to reducing these through the seeding of marginal areas.

She also talks about the challenges does that cultivation of this land offers to producers/farmers, both ecologically and economically.

If listeners are interested in finding out more or want to become involved in this project, please visit https://www.prairiepsn.ca/.

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Joey Pankiw grew up on a family farm in the Red River Valley. Joey is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a B.A. in Geography, and obtained a MSc. in Geography from the University of Regina. He started working with the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District in 2019 as a Watershed Assistant and also held the ALUS/Grow Coordinator position before becoming District Manager in 2022.

In today’s episode, Joey gives us an overview of what the ALUS Growing Roots program is and what the goals of this program are. He describes the thought process behind the moto “Farm the best, leave the rest” in relation to the Cultivated Cropland aspect of the project, which aims to improve water quality by reducing nutrient run off, reduce soil erosion, provide carbon sequestration and provide wildlife and pollinator habitat. Joey also discusses the changes they are seeing in areas where this program has been implemented and what impacts this has to the environment.

Along with the Cultivated Cropland aspect of the program, Joey shares information about the Class 4 and Class 5 Forage/Grazing Land programs, including the annual payment, contract length and amount SRRWD pays towards the establishment cost of these forages.

He wraps up with some information on other programs that are available in this watershed district, including the Preservation Project and The Pasture Riparian Fencing Project.

For more information about the programs available in your watershed, contact your local watershed district today.

To contact Joey

Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District Website: www.srrwd.ca

Email: info@srrwd.ca

Office Phone Number: 204-326-1030

Instagram: @seine_rat_roseau_watershed

Facebook: Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District

X: @SeineRatRoseau

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011