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Sustainable Farm Families

history

in-community workshops

reports/evaluation

Program History

Sustainable Farm Families is a highly successful health and wellness initiative that is commonly referred to as the Rural Health Initiative.

In 2014, the Farm Safety Centre in Alberta licensed the program and adapted it for delivery in Alberta. It provides farm families with tools & techniques to effectively manage their health, well-being, and safety.

A variety of activities and peer interactions encourage and empower individuals to assess lifestyle choices.

SFF focuses on the immense importance of individual health, well-being and safety to a successful farm. More than 150 SFF workshops have been delivered to 1,500+ farmers across the province.

More information about workshop specific topics can be found under
In-Community Workshops“.

Details about program reach and impact can be found under
Reports & Evaluations“.

Adaptations resulting from COVID 19 limitations can be found in
News & Events“.

In-Community Workshops

Workshop Topics

Participants in SFF Alberta are invited to attend 3 consecutive annual workshops held either in their community or on their farm.

The following health, well-being and safety topics relevant to farming and rural populations are discussed.

Year 1 Workshop Year 2 Workshop Year 3 Workshop
State of Rural Health Mental Health Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease Alcohol Use & Misuse Respiratory Health
Diabetes Men’s Health Physical Activity
Nutrition & Diet Women’s Health Farm Safety
Stress Management Farm Safety  
Farm Safety    

 

Health Assessments

Individual health assessments are performed by a registered nurse before each annual workshop begins.

Personal health assessment outcomes are then available for each workshop and can be compared year over year. 

In peer group discussions, farmers learn what each outcome measurement means and how their actions impact those outcomes. 

Basal Metabolism

Diabetes Risk

Blood Pressure

Eyesight

Blood Sugar (HbA1c)

Metabolic Age

Body Mass Index

Muscle Mass

Bone Density

Oxygen Saturation

Body Water

Stress Management and Mental Health

Cholesterol

Visceral Fat

Participant Feedback

As SFF began in Alberta SWM Consulting performed an external evaluation of all aspects of the program.

A few highlights from their reports:

90% – Believed the program’s health & safety information was useful & relevant to their farming operation

92% – Would recommend SFF Alberta to other farmers

95% – Planned to complete all 3 years of the program

97% – Believed workshops were a good investment of their time

100% – Intended to make proactive changes to improve their lifestyle

Sustainable Farm Families Reports

2019-2020

2018-2019

2017-2018

2016-2017

2015-2016

2014

Delivery Cycle Milestones

Sustainable Farm Families Evaluations

2017-2018 Evaluation

Info Graphic

Evaluation Highlights

Full Report

2016-2017 Evaluation

Info Graphic

Evaluation Highlights

Full Report

2015-2016 Evaluation

Info Graphic

Evaluation Highlights

Full Report

2014 Evaluation

Evaluation Summary

Full Evaluation

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