Being a farmer can easily become your identity, but what happens when that identity is threatened? For “The Recovering Farmer” Gerry Friesen, he found himself facing that very issue nearly two decades ago. 

In the 24th episode of The Extensionists, co-hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck sit down with Gerry. The three dig deep into the mental health struggles farmers face and what you can do to support yourself and those around you. It really can be just as easy as listening when a friend decides they’re ready to talk.

They discuss how mental illness isn’t something that just happens one day. It’s something that builds over years. Gerry shares his own experience with being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and the work he has done to help others in the agriculture industry who have faced similar challenges. 

Gerry also shares his favourite Mennonite foods, which Toban enjoys himself, and the three discuss how hard it is to shed that Mennonite guilt.

Thank you to our episode sponsor Alberta Canola.

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The Extensionists - Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture is a Burr Forest Group production with new episodes airing every other week on Tuesdays. Hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter have in-depth conversations with industry experts, researchers, innovators, and farmers about the latest developments in agriculture and their implications. With a focus on making complex agricultural topics accessible and engaging, The Extensionists bridges the gap between research and farming by connecting the agricultural community to great ideas and thinkers.

The Extensionists is produced and edited by Abby Wall, coordinated by Ashley Robinson, and designed by Michelle Houlden.