Episode 206 - From Silent Struggles to Shared Strength: Erik Blaser’s Mental Health Journey in Agriculture

Welcome back to the Millennial Ag Podcast and our annual May Mental Health Series—where we bring raw, real, and important conversations to the forefront of agriculture.

This week, we welcome a familiar voice behind the scenes—Erik Blaser. His wife Megan was a guest in last year’s mental health series, and now it’s Erik’s turn to join us. As a fourth-generation dairy farmer, Erik has lived the demanding, often all-consuming life that many in ag know too well. But in this conversation, he opens up about how quietly losing himself, grappling with addiction, and walking away from his family’s farm became the catalyst for a deeply personal journey of healing.

Erik speaks candidly about his mental health challenges, the transformation he found through counseling, and how he’s learned to rewire his thought patterns, build emotional awareness, and find joy in more than just his work. We talk about the stigma men in agriculture face when it comes to being vulnerable—and how owning your story and seeking support can change your entire life.

Whether you’ve faced your own dark season, know someone who has, or just need to hear from someone who’s walked through it and come out stronger, this episode will speak to you.

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Connect with Erik:

• Visit his website

Connect with Valene & Katharine:

• Follow us on Instagram @millennial_ag
• Check out our website
• Email us at [e-mail]
• Follow us on X/Twitter @millennial_ag
• Follow us on TikTok @millennial.ag

Resources & Links:

• Dial 988 for the 988 Crisis Lifeline - call or text nationally for immediate crisis support
• Mental Health First Aid 
• NAMI - has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country, providing local support and resources. Supports telehealth, lobbies for mental healthcare, provides education and support
• ruralminds.org - mental health information sheets, suicide webinars/resources, tips - founded by a dairy farmer in upstate NY
• Farm Bill- provides support for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the midwest that connects farmers/ranchers to resources
• Our sponsor, Peacock Technology
• Our sponsor, AGPRO