About the Community Spotlight:
We know that conversations about mental health in agriculture are most powerful when they come from within the community itself — from the people who live it every day.
Through our Community Spotlight series, we’re sharing the voices of our We Talk. We Grow. Champions and Ambassadors: individuals who are helping break the silence and make space for meaningful conversations around mental wellness on and off the farm.
In this edition, we’re featuring We Talk. We Grow. Ambassador, Kari Brown.
Can you tell us about your connection to agriculture — whether you’re farming or supporting farmers — and what inspired you to get involved in the industry?
I’ve spent the last 10 years building my career with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. As an Agricultural Representative, I’m honoured to support farmers across Western Nova Scotia.
I grew up on a small hobby farm in rural Nova Scotia and was deeply involved in 4-H — agriculture has always been part of who I am. I never imagined a career outside of it. Today, I farm alongside my partner, Evan, on our pasture-based beef operation, and we’re raising our kids, Nora and Louie, to understand and appreciate where their food comes from. Agriculture has given me so much — and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why do you think mental health is such an important topic in the farming community?
I feel strongly that mental health is an important topic in every aspect of life — and especially in agriculture. With increasing financial instability and the unpredictable impacts of weather, mental health has become one of the most critical issues facing farmers today.
Farmers are under immense stress, facing financial crises that feel impossible to navigate, and dealing with growing seasons that are harder than ever to predict. We often think of farmers as “tough,” but that very stigma can create barriers to seeking help, leaving many feeling isolated and helpless.The backbone of our industry is the familiar faces on the farm — and we need to keep them healthy and safe.
How do you think farmers and their support networks can better support each other?
Creating environments where farmers feel safe to open up, share, ask for help, and offer support is essential. Agriculture has always been built on the principle of “neighbour helping neighbour” — the challenge now is extending that same spirit to mental health.
By fostering relationships that are open, transparent, and safe, we can help farmers connect with one another, realize they’re not alone, and find comfort in shared experiences. I also believe farmers benefit from getting off the farm occasionally — even though it’s not always easy — and spending time socializing about things beyond agriculture. Those moments of connection can make a big difference.
What’s one small thing you do to take care of your mental health on a regular basis?
Working full-time, running a farm, and raising kids makes for a busy and often chaotic life. I don’t always eat well, and I don’t always stick to my workouts — but I try my best. I’ve learned to remind myself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out all the time.
One habit I’ve adopted over the past few years is biannual check-ins with my naturopathic doctor. She helps me stay on top of my preventative care — both physically and mentally — and always has strategies to help me through seasons of burnout.
What’s one piece of advice and you’d give to someone—whether they’re a farmer or supporting farmers—who’s struggling?
Life in agriculture can be tough. Whether you’re a farmer or supporting one, my advice is this: resilience doesn’t mean pushing through and ignoring the stress. True resilience is about your ability to recover from challenges and adapt to change.
Just like you wouldn’t expect a crop to thrive in the same soil season after season without replenishing it, you also need the right inputs to thrive. Find out what those are for you — whether it’s rest, connection, movement, or time away — and make them your non-negotiables. Don’t skip them.
See you next time!
Stay tuned for more stories in our Community Spotlight series, and if their words resonated with you, consider sharing this blog post with someone who might need to hear it.
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