Farming is a distinct sector with unique stressors—from unpredictable weather and market volatility to the heavy weight of multi-generational operations. Yet, the traditional expectation in agriculture has too long been to "tough it out", mostly in silence.

Every year, when we welcome new members to the Global Farmer Network, one powerful truth becomes immediately clear: no matter where we farm across the globe, we all share the same struggles.

Join us for a dedicated, candid conversation designed to create a space where farmers are encouraged and empowered to prioritize their mental wellbeing and find practical ways to support one another.

Registration
Date: August 26 – 2 PM UTC
Link: (Once you register, you’ll be able to add the event to your calendar)
Featured Conversation
We’re honored to welcome Merle Massie, a GFN member from Canada and Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, for a candid conversation with Marcus Holtkötter, a GFN Board member about mental health in agriculture — from the Canadian experience to the broader global context.

What We Will Discuss

  • The Reality: Why shared struggles prove that no farmer has to face the pressure alone.
  • Breaking the Stigma: Shifting the agricultural culture toward prioritizing mental health as an essential part of sustainable farm management.
  • The Power of Connection: How global networks and peer-to-peer spaces act as a buffer against isolation and stress.
  • Practical Support: Actionable ways to check in on yourself, your family, and your peers during high-stakes seasons.

Our Speakers

  • Merle Massie is a farmer from Canada, award-winning author, speaker, storyteller, and member of the Global Farmer Network. As Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, she brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep understanding of agriculture to her work championing mental health and cultivating a culture of wellbeing across Canada’s farming communities.
  • Marcus Holtkötter is a farmer from Germany and member of the Global Farmer Network. He also serves on the GFN’s Board of Directors and chairs the Communications and External Relations Committee.

Additional information
The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) is Canada’s national charitable organization championing mental health in agriculture. Founded by farmers, our mission is to cultivate a culture of mental wellbeing within agricultural communities across the country. Through our three pillars—Action for Awareness, Community for Connection, and Resources for Support—we work to increase understanding, strengthen connections, and provide practical support for farms, farm families and agriculture communities. Learn more at domore.ag.