The Western Producer highlighted new research from Prof. Andria Jones-Bitton that finds that many Canadian farmers are on the verge of burnout.

Jones-Bitton recently shared the findings of her new research at the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s annual conference in Quebec City. Her study determined that nearly half of farmers polled in an online survey were classified on the engagement-to-burnout spectrum as ineffective, disengaged or overextended. More than 1 in 10 met the threshold for burnout.

Jones-Bitton, an epidemiologist in the Department of Population Medicine, has conducted groundbreaking research on the mental health struggles of Canadian farmers and agricultural workers.

She and her research team are hoping to raise awareness about mental health issues among farmers as well as find ways to help them cope with the inherent stresses of their work.