Community Leaders Gather in Lac Bellevue to Address Mental Health in Agriculture

Photo Credit: Scott Cyr

Event highlights growing challenges for producers amid drought and financial strain

 

On October 25, community leaders, farmers, and residents came together at the Lac Bellevue Recreation and Agricultural Society Hall for a leadership breakfast centred on one of rural Alberta’s most pressing issues — mental health in agriculture.

 

The event brought attention to the growing stress facing producers across the region as ongoing drought conditions and financial uncertainty continue to affect crops and livestock. Both the M.D. of Bonnyville and the County of St. Paul declared agricultural disasters earlier this year, leaving many producers struggling with feed shortages and difficult decisions about their operations.

 

The morning’s keynote speaker, community leader and motivational speaker Ian Hill, delivered a powerful message on the importance of connection and resilience in rural life. He encouraged communities to break the silence around mental health by supporting one another through open conversation and grassroots action.

 

The breakfast, hosted by the Lac Bellevue Recreation and Ag Society, aimed to strengthen the network of support for local producers while fostering awareness about available mental health resources. MLA Scott Cyr, who attended the event, said it was a timely and meaningful discussion for families across the Lakeland.

 

“The stress on farm families is very real, and it highlights how important strong community networks and open conversations are in tough times,” Cyr said.

 

The event also featured a locally prepared breakfast by Debra Poulin of Twisted Fork, offering an opportunity for connection and conversation among attendees.

 

The Lac Bellevue Ag Society continues to show leadership in supporting rural well-being, with recent facility upgrades made possible through the province’s Agricultural Societies Program. In 2023–24, the group received $29,646 in funding, which helped improve the community hall and ensure it remains a gathering place for residents.

 

Resources such as AgKnow – Alberta’s Farm Mental Health Network are also available to support producers and their families, connecting them with counsellors who understand the agricultural lifestyle and its unique challenges. The program offers workshops, online resources, and one-on-one support to help farm families manage stress and mental health concerns.

 

For more information or support, visit www.agknow.ca, email info@agknow.ca, or call the 24/7 Crisis Support Line at 1-866-327-6701.

 

Events like the Lac Bellevue leadership breakfast remind rural Alberta that no one faces these challenges alone — and that community connection remains one of the strongest tools for resilience.