Farming and ranching can provide be a very rewarding life. However, it also has its share of overwhelming stress and challenges.

Gronlid area farmer Kim Keller helped spark the mental health conversation in the ag sector last year after hearing about a farmer suicide.

She has co-founded the “Do More Foundation” to connect farmers with mental health resources.

"It's awareness education and breaking the stigma that exists today," she said. "Secondly it's creating a community where those who are impacted and affected can come to connect. But they can also find resources if they're looking for help or there if they just want more information."

A Guelph University survey of mental health in Canadian producers shows 35% meet the definition of depression, 45% report having high stress while 40% says they wouldn’t seek to counsel due to the stigma associated with mental health and illness.

Keller says its uncomfortable stats to face, but we need to do more to help.

"When it comes to farming related suicides our reported is lacking," she said. "However, we know that in the US, farmers are actually twice as likely to die by suicide as compared to the general population."

She says that’s a barrier we need to break down, for more information visit their website at www.domore.ag.