BOTG Edition 15 - CCRAH Highlights

On October 8th, CCRAH opened its doors to the community for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research in rural health and safety. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the dedicated experts behind our important work and were given the chance to discover how we are helping the University of Saskatchewan lead advancements in rural health across the province and beyond.

We were honored to host 33 registered attendees, including Program Specialists from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, division representatives from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), and members of the University of Saskatchewan’s Leadership team.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success! Your engagement and support are vital as we continue to advance rural and agricultural health and safety.

CCRAH had a strong presence at the People Around the World (PAW) 2025 International Conference.

Dr. Angelica Lang and her team hosted a pre-conference Shoulder Health and Ergonomics Research Lab tour, offering PAW 2025 attendees a unique opportunity to explore our ergonomics and biomechanics research.

Dr. Shelley Kirychuk, Director of CCRAH, contributed her expertise in two panel discussions:

• “Choose France for Research” – Pre-conference workshop
• “Healthy Communities in Rural and Remote Areas: Challenges and Opportunities” – Concurrent session panel

We were thrilled to share our work and engage with global leaders in research and innovation!

On August 12th, CCRAH, alongside partnering organizations The Do More Agriculture Foundation and SaskAgMatters, met with Claire Catford, Nuffield Scholar, to highlight ongoing efforts to support the physical and mental wellbeing of farmers in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

As part of her Nuffield research, Claire is exploring how major changes such as increased farm scale, technological adaptation, heightened social responsibility, and regulatory compliance impact farmers and rural people. Her work focuses on strategies that strengthen both physical and mental health for farmers while fostering resilient rural communities.

Learn more about Claire’s research here

Members from the Musculoskeletal Health and Access to Care (MHAC) team visited Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake to work with community on a pediatric hybrid interprofessional rehabilitation project. A Jim Pattinson Children’s Hospital Equipment Grant provided funding for the pediatric clinic equipment.

Thank you to Sheri and Darin Pedersen for inviting us to be part of their winning 620 CKRM Country Cookout at their farm in the RM of Prairie Rose #309!

We had a fantastic time, it was great to meet and chat with 620 CKRM and the Cookout sponsors, the Pedersen family and their friends that support the farm, their work, and the family. Like many farms in Saskatchewan, it is a proud family operation, with the family caring for and harvesting their land well over 100 times.

Sheri and Darin are strong supporters of CCRAH and our Agricultural Health and Safety Network. Darin Chairs our AHSN steering committee and Sheri presents our Discovery Days program to rural schools. We outfitted attendees with CCRAH/AHSN safety gear including our sun safety hats.

On October 30th, CCRAH hosted a spooktacular Halloween Party complete with a festive potluck featuring an array of sweet and savory treats prepared by CCRAH staff and students.

The highlight of the event was our costume contest, which featured two categories: Best Staff Costume and Best Student Costume.

Congratulations to Shelley Biller, winner of Best Staff Costume, and Amanda Dupperon, winner of Best Student Costume!

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and made the Halloween party a success!