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.
AÂ 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“.
Sustainable Farm Families Info Graphic
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 | Â |
| Farm Safety | Â | Â |
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.Â
In peer group discussions, farmers learn what each outcome measurement means and how their actions impact those outcomes.Â
|
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
