The Do More Agriculture Foundation and McDonald's Canada Come Together to Champion Mental Health in Canadian Agriculture
August 19, 2026
Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Do More Agriculture Foundation and McDonald's Canada have launched a new collaboration to support mental wellbeing in Canadian agriculture, beginning with a roundtable discussion at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference on August 19.
Held as part of the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program, the session will bring together approximately 30 emerging leaders from Canada's beef industry for an open conversation on mental wellbeing in agriculture and the role each part of the industry can play in making mental health a priority.
The discussion underscores a shared message: mental health is a collective responsibility. By bringing together producers, industry organizations and supply chain partners, the event will show how collaboration can reduce stigma, encourage meaningful conversations and strengthen support for people working in agriculture.
“Creating a culture where mental wellbeing is prioritized takes all of us,” said Emma Cross, an Alberta rancher and Chair of The Do More Agriculture Foundation. “We're proud to begin this sponsorship with McDonald's Canada because meaningful change happens when organizations across the agricultural value chain come together with a shared commitment to the producers who make Canadian agriculture possible. This conversation is an important first step, and we look forward to building on it together.”
“The strength of our food system starts with the people behind it,” said Sam Hamam, Head of Supply Chain for McDonald's Canada. “Through our partnership with The Do More Agriculture Foundation, we're proud to support the mental health and wellbeing of Canadian farmers and ranchers, whose resilience is essential to the long-term success of agriculture and the communities it sustains."
"Mental health conversations often start around the kitchen table with family, neighbours, partners, or trusted peers who are willing to listen,” said Merle Massie, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation and a Saskatchewan farmer. “Bringing together young leaders from across the beef industry created an opportunity to foster courage for these open conversations, helping strengthen connections and reinforce that no one has to navigate the challenges of agriculture alone. We're grateful to McDonald's Canada for creating this opportunity at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and for helping make space for these important conversations.”
The Do More Agriculture Foundation thanks McDonald's Canada for its partnership in supporting this important conversation and for its shared commitment to advancing mental wellbeing among the people who sustain Canadian agriculture.
About The Do More Agriculture Foundation
The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) is Canada’s national charitable organization championing mental health in agriculture. Founded by farmers, our mission is to help cultivate a culture of mental wellbeing with agricultural communities across the country. Through our three pillars—Action for Awareness, Community for Connection, and Resources for Support—we work to increase understanding, strengthen connections, and provide practical support for farms, farm families and agriculture communities. Learn more at domore.ag.
About McDonald’s Canada
In 1967, Canada welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, with McDonald’s restaurants serving nearly two million guests every day and employing almost 100,000 people across Canada. More than 90 per cent of McDonald's 1,500 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees, with the remaining restaurants corporately owned and operated by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited. Of the almost $2 billion spent on food and paper by McDonald’s restaurants, over 80 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada.
For more information on McDonald's Canada, visit mcdonalds.ca
For all inquiries, please contact lucia[@]domore.ag