FARM TO FOOD
Launched on September 18, 2025, the “Farm to Food” podcast is broadcast on a bi-weekly basis to increase coverage of the Chateauguay Valley’s largest economic sector - agriculture - and, of course, everyone eats everyday (at least we hope so!) so there is always a lot of interest in all things agri-food.
Whether you're a farmer, a foodie, or simply curious about where your meals come from, Farm to Food connects you to the full journey — from soil to supper. Each episode features down-to-earth conversations with local farmers, agri-food innovators, and global experts on everything from organic farming to processing, sustainability, and food security.
Recorded at the historic Ormstown Fairgrounds, the show offers real insights into Quebec’s rural communities and the people who keep us well fed. Plus, stay updated with timely agri-news and local food stories that matter.
For producers, processors, and curious eaters alike — Farm to Food is your guide to understanding how our food systems work, who makes them thrive, and why it all matters. From bumble bees and microdistilleries to the dairy industry, cash cropping, and extreme weather, we’ll explore it all.
Listen, learn, and support local – because farming isn't just for farmers — it's for everyone who eats!
FARM TO FOOD
9. Mental Health & Farming
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Mental Health & Farming
Farming is more than an occupation - it’s a culture, a heritage, and often a family legacy passed down through generations. But behind the beauty of rural life, many farmers face intense mental health pressures that are too often hidden or unspoken.
In this episode, we explore the realities of mental health in Canadian agricultural communities - from financial stress and climate uncertainty to isolation, succession pressure, and the emotional responsibility of caring for animals, land, and family farms.
Farming feeds our communities - but farmers need support too. This conversation aims to make mental health in agriculture an everyday discussion and remind listeners that help is available and no one has to face these challenges alone.
In this episode, Hugh Maynard speaks with Merle Massie, a Saskatchewan farmer and executive director of the Do More Ag Foundation, which has its own podcast: https://www.domore.ag/hayareweokay
Sarah Rennie spoke with Pierre Rivard, a training specialist with the Montreal Suicide Prevention Centre, about his role training individuals to become Gatekeepers (Sentinels).
Callan Forrester interviewed Lise Bates about Au coeur des familles agricoles, or ACFA, a Quebec organization that works directly with farmers and their loved ones who are struggling with mental illness.
Content Warning: this episode discusses suicide. If you are struggling, please check the following resources mentioned in this episode:
Do More Agriculture Foundation - national resources and initiatives focused on mental health in agriculture
Montreal Suicide Prevention Centre - confidential support and crisis intervention
The Gatekeeper (suicide prevention) training program - helping people recognize warning signs and respond safely
Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast.
We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: Desjardins, the Livestock Breeders’ Association and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support.
We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio.
This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going.
Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25.
Farm to Food Podcast Credits:
Hugh Maynard – Host
Jackie Rourke – Producer
Sarah Rennie – News Editor
Callan Forrester – Reporter
Stacey Pennington – Audio Production
Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing
…and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!