Cultivating Perceptions of Farm Culture: Perspectives From the Canadian Prairies

Understanding a farmer's identity is essential to supporting their mental and/or physical health. This study explored how farmers perceive their own identity and how they define "farm culture." Research was conducted through a modified sequential exploratory mixed-methods research design. Farmers living in a western Canadian prairie province were the focus of this study. Data were collected from August 2020 through January 2022 using semistructured interviews (n = 22), open-ended survey questions (n = 75), and photovoice (n = 33). Using a sequential analysis approach, themes from the interview data informed subsequent analysis of open-ended survey data, and the themes from the interview and survey responses informed the analysis of photovoice data. Interpretive description methodology was used to construct themes. Themes and subthemes of farm culture included: a family affair (farm legacy, shared experiences, instilling values); strong character (work ethic/passion, no weakness allowed); and unique stressors (competition, working conditions, gendered environment). The themes provide a foundation for the development of a farm culture definition created by farmers and offer initial steps toward integrating an understanding of farm culture into mental health supports. From the study findings, it is understood that farm culture is multifaceted, but it is a concept narrowly understood by those outside of the agriculture community. Additional research is required globally to increase public awareness of farm culture and the effects of farm culture on the mental health of farmers. Public Health Significance Statement Public education is required for a general understanding of farm culture. Recognizing farm culture as a unique culture is key to providing culturally informed mental health care to farmers and their families.