Sask. Farm Stress Line to merge with National Farmer Crisis Line

Saskatchewan’s farm stress line will merge with a national service, keeping 24/7 mental health support available ahead of the growing season.

Saskatchewan’s Farm Stress Line will be merging with the National Farmer Crisis Line, effective next month, according to the province.

The merger, to take place April 1, was announced as part of Wednesday’s 2026-27 provincial budget. As part of the transition, the province committed $200,000 to “expanded mental health services” for agricultural workers and their families.

The $200,000 investment will go to Sask Ag Matters Mental Health Network Inc, as it will take over the day-to-day operation of the stress line.

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Cynthia Beck, the organization’s chair and co-founder, said her organization is ready to shoulder the responsibility.

“We are very excited about this endeavor and this collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and our current government and kind of reaching out and providing agricultural mental health services,” she told reporters following the budget announcement.

Founded in 1992 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Saskatchewan’s Farm Stress Line provides supports for farmers and ranchers who encounter issues while managing the constant crises common in their profession.

Since 2012, calls to the stress line have been answered by Mobile Crisis Services, a non-profit community-based agency that has provided crisis intervention services in the province since 1974.