Rural Realities

Monica McConkey, Rural Mental Health Specialist, works with farm families every week in Minnesota and knows stress and family relationships impact the process of business transition planning. The Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres connected with Monica at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, when she was there presenting on farm stress. Monica shared insight on the emotional issues that farmers working on a transition plan may face, along with some techniques that she finds most helpful for families working through this process. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Living with loss and vowing to help others so they never have to experience this pain is what gets Jennifer Webster through her grief after losing her father, Brian Webster, to suicide last year. The Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres met up with Jennifer and her other guest Sara Kohlbeck at an event in Baldwin, Wisconsin, to help educate our community, including healthcare providers, about farmers’ unique mental health needs and to kick off the new Western Wisconsin Farmer Angel Network. Sara shared her research on why farmers are at a higher risk for suicide and how we can develop more prevention measures. Jennifer shared her personal story about losing her dad and her mission to help other farmers.Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

The stigma surrounding mental health is very prevalent in our rural communities and is often a barrier to farmers seeking help. On this episode of the Rural Realities podcast, Susan Townsley talks with Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), about myths and facts around farmer mental health. Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Stonehouse Counseling in Viroqua. She has 20 years of experience working with clients in a rural setting. Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential programs, including financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at (800) 942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

40 Acres Deep is a tale of farmer Harold facing a long winter alone. In his small rural community, many farmers and small businesses have left, and the good old days are now just memories. On this episode of the Rural Realities podcast, Michael Perry talks with Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), sharing about his book, background as a writer and Wisconsinite, connection to farming, and the topic of mental health in rural Wisconsin. Michael, who has written 18 books, calls himself an “accidental” New York Times bestselling author. He is a humorist, singer/songwriter, amateur snowplow driver, and a playwright from New Auburn, Wisconsin. Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential programs including financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Communicating effectively is important to running a successful farm business, but often farmers aren’t taught how to be good communicators. On this episode of the Rural Realities podcast, Ted Matthews chats with Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), sharing his tips on improving communications with your family and your farm partners. Ted has two decades of experience working with farmers as a rural mental health practitioner in Minnesota and is the 2023 Minnesota Rural Health lifetime Achievement Award recipient.Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential programs including financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Youth are the next inventors, creators, and business owners for our agricultural enterprises. Hear from one Wisconsin youth who came into agriculture in an nontraditional way,  but quickly embraced ag, and is now helping other teens discover their passion for farming by serving as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer. Parker Litterick shares her energy and enthusiasm for agriculture with Farm Center’s Karen Endres on this episode of the Rural Realities podcast.Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Spring can be a very stressful time for farmers and this year, the weather and markets have given us plenty to worry about. Monica McConkey, a rural mental health specialist, shares three simple tips to help you manage stress, and three things you can do to benefit your relationships on your family farm, with Farm Center’s Karen Endres. We need to be intentional about improving our emotional health and relationships and this conversation gives listeners tools that you can start implementing immediately. Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Growing up on a farm can be stressful, but it also helps develop resiliency. Listen to how growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, and having a life in agriculture, helped Sydni Mell and her family adapt after a farm accident. Sydni and Sam used the same mindset that they have used on the farm to keep their heads up, push forward, and make strides in Sydni’s recovery. Enjoy this inspiring conversation of tragedy, hope, and determination as Sydni and Sam share their story of a farm accident with Farm Center’s Karen Endres. Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Navigating change can be stressful for farmers and their families. When we think about operating a successful farm business, planning is critical. Oftentimes, those plans include change. It may be as simple as a new job responsibility or as complex as a farm transition. Peggy Coffeen, Uplevel Dairy Podcast Host & Owner, discusses change with the Farm Center’s Karen Endres. They discuss preparing for change, how to respond to a change, and what can help you through a change.  Experiencing a challenge with a change on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than 100 years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Difficult conversations can be stressful, especially for farmers working with their families. Dairy Farmer and Mental Health Advocate Randy Roecker discusses how he approaches communications on his generational dairy farm with the Farm Center’s Karen Endres. They touch on using positivity and gratitude, and having a community of people you can talk to when feeling stressed.  Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Coping with stress through substance use is not uncommon. Nearly 50 percent of rural Americans and 74 percent of farmers have been directly impacted by opioid misuse, according to a 2017 survey by the National Farmers Union and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Dual Diagnosis Counselor Megan Wolf discusses the signs of addiction, recovery options, and that there is hope for people who struggle with substance use with Farm Center’s Karen Endres.Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

We all go through times when we feel down or blue. How do you know when you should ask for help?  Whether you are dairy farmer, livestock producer, or produce farmer, you and your family experience business challenges that can cause anxiety, stress, and depression. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jessica Beauchamp discusses the signs and symptoms of depression and where to find information on depression with Farm Center’s Karen Endres. They discuss some useful online resources and how you may also be experiencing physical symptoms. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Farmers and their families constantly experience business challenges that can lead to additional stress, mental health issues, and even suicide. Sara Kohlbeck, a suicide prevention advocate, discusses why we are seeing a higher rate of suicide among farmers with the Farm Center’s Karen Endres. They look at the research Sara has been doing, why farmers are at a higher risk for suicide, and available trainings for Wisconsinites looking to become more comfortable reaching out to someone struggling emotionally. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

"Let’s Talk Anxiety & Depression on the Farm” with Jes Beauchamp, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerStress is something farmers typically face each day, but when it gets to be too much, it can lead to anxiety and depression. Jes Beauchamp, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center discuss anxiety and depression on the farm in this episode. They share signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, self-care tips that can help you feel better, and when you should seek professional counseling. Taking care of you will help your farm business, your relationships, and your health. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

"Identify & Reset Unhealthy Default Settings” with Penn Vieau, Professional Speaker & Coach It is easy to overemphasize the negative and dismiss the positive things in our lives. Penn Vieau, professional speaker and coach, and Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center share how these unhealthy default settings can cause stress, fatigue, resentment, and get us off track. In this podcast, they share how and why our minds come pre-wired to focus on the negative and how identifying the positive, establishing a personal board of directors, and planning your priorities can help you overcome the negatives and maintain better focus on your farm and personal priorities.  Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request."More information on the concepts, strategies and tactics shared in this episode can be found in Roger Seip's Train Your Brain For Success (copyright 2011) and Roger's and Robb Zbierski's Master Your Mind;Counterintuitive Strategies to Refocus and Re-Energize Your Runaway Brain (copyright 2019).  These programs are available from Freedom Personal Development, at www.freedompersonaldevelopment.com."

"Use a Positive Mindset & Gratitude to Handle Daily Farm Stress" with Penn Vieau, Professional Speaker & Coach You face many stressors owning and operating a farm business, and for many of you, a multigenerational farm business.  Penn Vieau, professional speaker and coach and Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center share how adopting a positive mindset with a focus on gratitude can help you better handle these stressors. In this podcast, they explore how the mind works and lead you through examples so you can make immediate changes in your work and personal life to achieve your goals while effectively managing daily stress. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request."More information on the concepts, strategies and tactics shared in this episode can be found in Roger Seip's Train Your Brain For Success (copyright 2011) and Roger's and Robb Zbierski's Master Your Mind;Counterintuitive Strategies to Refocus and Re-Energize Your Runaway Brain (copyright 2019).  These programs are available from Freedom Personal Development, at www.freedompersonaldevelopment.com."

"International Markets Provide Opportunities for Wisconsin Farmers and Agri-Businesses" with the International Agri-Business Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer ProtectionWisconsin exported nearly $3.37 billion in agricultural and food products to 145 countries in 2020. The International Agri-Business Center (IABC) staff, shares how they work with Wisconsin farmers and agri-businesses to grow Wisconsin’s exports. They talk about their activities, how to get involved and the importance of agricultural exports to Wisconsin in this podcast episode. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than one hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. Ongoing in-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

AgrAbility helps farmers with disabilities or limitations obtain assistive technology and support so they can continue to do their job safely and successfully. Amanda Harguth, Outreach Specialist at AgrAbility of Wisconsin, explains the wide variety of disabilities and limitations that farmers can face and resources available to help them continue farming in this podcast episode.Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than one hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. Ongoing in-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.*This episode was created with the support of 2021 DATCP Intern Emily Lepien.

"Maintaining Farm Viability Through Volatile Times" by Kevin Bernhardt, UW-Platteville & UW-ExtensionNavigating day-to-day operations on the farm can be extremely stressful and, even more so when farm viability needs to be evaluated and discussed. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville and UW-Extension Farm Management Specialist, defines farm and economic viability, how it changes over time, and the key steps to maintaining the viability of your farm in this podcast episode. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a 50 years of agriculture experience collectively, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial planning services, mediation/arbitration, herd-based diagnostics, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services are available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential pilot 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Hotline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. Ongoing in-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

"Healing After Farm Stress Turned to Tragedy" by Brenda Statz, farmer and mental health advocateFrom fluctuating prices to long work hours, farmers experience an extensive amount of stress every day. It is key to reach out for help and support when that stress starts to impact mental or physical health. Brenda Statz, a farmer and mental health advocate, shares how she lost her husband to suicide, her journey as a suicide survivor, signs and symptoms of distress, and the importance of reaching out for help. Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a 50 years of agriculture experience collectively, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial planning services, mediation/arbitration, herd-based diagnostics, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services are available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov. If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential pilot 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Hotline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. Ongoing in-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.