In our context around the sheep table, it's a bit different. I have four board members who have dealt with suicide since January, whether it was that of another farmer they knew or somebody within their small community. Around our board table, the discussion is perhaps a bit different from discussions around other board tables. I'm also really stubborn and just talk about what I think needs to get talked about, which is mental health. I am really concerned about them.
I'm very lucky with the sheep farmers in Ontario, in particular. They have really been opening up and creating an environment where it's okay for them to call me up and let me know what's going on. I've learned from some of the courses I've been taking to challenge myself when I start to feel afraid to ask how they're doing. I force myself to just ask them the question and then be willing to sit there, listen to them and create that environment for them to be comfortable doing that.