GUELPH – The annual Tractor Tug for Tots fundraiser returned to the University of Guelph to raise awareness for farmers’ mental health.
This year was the 20th anniversary and the goal was mighty yet simple; registered teams would have to heave one of two tractors weighing just over six tonnes each along Reynolds Walk.
Josie Meyers is an executive member of the Tractor Tug for Tots committee and said it’s amazing to see this fundraiser push on for 20 years.
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- The tractors each had a slightly differing curb weight; teams pulled twice per-round | Mik Horvath
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- Speaking with various teams throughout the event, participants were simply happy to support the cause | Mik Horvath
Meyers said it’s not only important to understand the daily struggles of the average farmer, but also to provide support for mental fortitude in a high-stakes industry.
Over 20 teams took part in this year’s Tractor Tug for Tots and the rosters ranged from local emergency services crews to UofG Ag students.
Each team alternated tractors in a two-round bout; after a couple titanic tugs the AgTech Tuggers were feeling the burn.
AgTech Tuggers pose for a group photo | Mik Horvath
It was a friendly competition but the funds raised through donations and registrations were reserved for Agriculture Wellness Ontario and exceeded the donation goal with a grand total of $23,952.60.
Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association and provides free programs designed for farmers that focus on mental health.
AgWO’s program outreach coordinator, Priyanka Gupta, said there are many factors that make farming a stressful livelihood.
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- Cheers, gasps and stomping boots filled the air as roughly 12 tonnes of metal moved down Reynolds Walk | Mik Horvath
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- Line dancers hit the scene during breaks and invited passing Ag students for a dance | Mik Horvath
Gupta said informing youth about the industry and pathways to mental health supports has become increasingly important especially for Ag students.
Back in 2016 Ontario Veterinary College professor Andria Jones-Bitton conducted a nation-wide survey focused on the mental health of agricultural producers and said the survey found over 45 per cent of respondents had high stress, about 58 per cent were “classified with varying levels of anxiety” and 35 per cent with depression.
Jones-Bitton conducted a second survey in 2021 and garnered responses from nearly 1,200 Canadian farmers.
That survey said 75 per cent of respondents were “currently experiencing moderate or high perceived stress,” and the report also said “suicide ideation was twice as high in farmers compared to the general population.”
“The 2021 survey found that stress and other mental health problems were higher among women in every aspect except alcohol use,” the report said.
26 total teams tugged two tractors on Tuesday, Oct. 27 | Mik Horvath
