"Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms" w/Heather Watson

Building on last week's episode where we explored the goldmine of farm management resources that Farm Management Canada offers, we are now diving into two of their most recent studies that research the connection between a farmer's business management skills and the effect that it has on their mental health. Do you believe there is a connection between your farm management skills and your mental health? Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy this episode where Heather and Tracy discuss their two groundbreaking studies: The Dollars and Sense Study Update An update to their 2015 report that proved the connection between business practices and farm financial performance. In this report, Farm Management Canada looks at the various drivers and barriers to adopting business practices. Heather shares the results. Drumroll...Has there been an increase in the adoption of farm business management practices over the past five years? Tune in to hear the answer. Heather and Tracy discuss the drivers and barriers to adoption in-depth, and she shares the recommendations made in the report for the best farm management practices for farmers to adopt. The Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms Report Heather shares more about the report that explores the connection between a farmer's level of business acumen and their mental health. The report includes 24 recommendations for supporting mental health and farm business management. Tracy asks Heather about the study and whether it found a definite connection between mental health and farm business management. Here is a sneak peek….Findings include 88% of farmers who undertake business planning say planning contributes to their peace of mind, however, only 21% of farmers have a business plan…why? 41% say they are succeeding without it…but how do they define success? When asked if anything jumped out at her from the study, Heather shares that it was the fact that young farmers and female farmers openly and unanimously report higher levels of stress due to complications with transition and maintaining family harmony and work/life balance. With the farm's all-encompassing and hectic pace, it is often challenging to turn our attention to the non-production aspects of the business; however, once you watch this episode, we feel that many producers will be interested in honing their business acumen. Are you seeking higher profit and increased mental health on your farm? If so, you will not want to miss this episode. …………………………. SHOW RESOURCES For more information about Farm Management Canada and their resources, please visit: Farm Management Canada - http://btfollow.com/.2zcs6 To access the studies mentioned in this episode, please visit: http://btfollow.com/.2zczz …………………………. Thank You to our Show Sponsor: Farmers Business Network®Pursue Your Prosperity.™ Farmers Business Network ® is a global Agtech company focused on helping family farmers maximize their farm's profit potential. http://rdrurl.com/.2zczp ………………………….