Governor General Mary Simon learned about some of the challenges facing farmers and ranchers during a visit to a a farm about twenty minutes east of Saskatoon on Tuesday afternoon.

The invitation was came from the Sask AG Matters Mental Health Network which is working to provide producers access to treatment from mental health therapists with agricultural backgrounds. Director Shari Laventure estimates about 20 producers have received assistance from three trained professionals. The goal is to access additional funding, add more therapists with an ag background and to provide services in other provinces.

While she can’t provide any funding to the organization, Sask AG Matters hopes the Governor General will be able to raise public awareness.

CJWW Agriculture Director Neil Billinger spoke to Sask Ag Matters Director Shari Laventure shortly after Tuesday’s meeting.