but forward to the future,” Johnstone says. “We were able to do all sorts of things that we couldn’t do in a ‘normal’ year to set up beautifully for this year.” Included are millions of dollars in investment — the largest in the RAWF’s history — in new branding, new site layouts, a refurbished horse palace, painting, new stalls for the cattle barns, new lighting, and more. To kick things off, there’s a showcase on November 2 that will include performances by First Nations musicians, a pipe and drum band, a show-jumping exhibition, and a livestock show. Well-known Canadian comedian Rick Mercer is emceeing the event, and Blue Rodeo will end the evening with a concert. “The Royal provides an excellent forum for people to talk to producers to get an understanding of what’s happening locally, nationally, and around the world and how that affects our food and how they feed their families,” Johnstone says. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 37 OCTOBER 2022 Millions [of people] have shared the joy of competing at and attending the Royal over its century-long history. Farmers constantly have to tap into wells of strength. It takes strength and resilience to navigate the many challenges they face. It is also a test of strength to reach out for help when the stresses of farming become too much. Recognizing the need for help and reaching out is not easy. In addition to asking for help there are stress management techniques that can help you reduce stress. Try the one below when you are feeling overwhelmed. This technique will help you feel calm and allow you to think clearly. For a list of stress management techniques, visit www.gfo.ca/ farmerwellness/. Breathing excercise The Power of a Pause, when you feel overwhelmed, this technique will help bring calm so you can think clearly about what you should do next. Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, out for 8, Repeat. Farmer wellness first Grain Farmers of Ontario Farmer Wellness Guide: www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness/support-resources/ Farmer Wellness Initiative: 1-866-267-6255, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Learn more at: www.farmerwellnessinitiative.ca For more on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit us online: Exhale Open your mouth slightly and exhale for eight seconds, drawing your diaphragm in. Repeat the cycle three more times. 8 Hold Hold your breath for a count of seven seconds. 4 7 Inhale Sit comfortably. Relax your mouth and jaw. Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of four seconds.
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