Rural Realities
Given the ongoing challenges facing the agriculture industry – low prices, uncertain markets, trade uncertainty, and inclement weather - it’s no surprise that farmers and farm families are experiencing more stress. “Rural Realities” focuses on helping farmers tap into their resilient nature by presenting advice from experts that can help reduce stress, improve a farm’s financial situation, implement good farm family communication skills, and more. ***The department is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of department policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the department. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by department employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the department or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact our Department’s General Counsel.
Episodes
Growing up on a farm can be stressful, but it also helps develop resiliency. In this update episode, we reconnect with Sydni Mell, who experienced a life-changing farm accident as a college freshman that left her paralyzed and without the use of her legs. Despite this, Sydni graduated from UW–Madison in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science. She graduated on time and navigated campus and a life full of new c...
In this episode of Rural Realities, Part 4 of our special series for Mental Health Month, host Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Farm Center shares how a simple daily gratitude practice can help farmers stay positive through the ups and downs of agriculture. Life on the farm isn’t easy but taking a few minutes each day to focus on what’s going right can build resilience, patience, and strength. Tune in and learn how small shifts in per...
In this episode of Rural Realities, Part 3 of our special series for Mental Health Month, host Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center talks directly to farmers about building resilience through the ups and downs of farm life. From weather challenges to family stresses, Karen shares real-world tips to help you stay strong, focused, and grounded. Tune in for practical ways to care for yourself — because healthy farms start with ...
In this episode of Rural Realities, Part 2 of our special series for Mental Health Month, host Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center dives into two powerful wellness basics: hydration and nutrition. Karen shares easy, practical tips to help farmers fuel their bodies for long days in the field — because taking care of yourself is key to staying strong for your farm, family, and community. Tune in and learn how small daily habi...
Join host Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center for a special Rural Realities series in honor of May as Mental Health Month. In this episode, Karen shares practical ways farmers and agricultural workers can prioritize self-care, using relatable tips like the "gas tank" and "warning light" analogies to keep both body and mind in good condition. Tune in for quick, powerful wellness insights to support your f...
The Wisconsin Farm Center focuses on helping farmers establish, sustain, grow, or effectively transition their agriculture businesses. Join Dan Bauer, Farm Center Supervisor, as he talks with Rural Realities host Karen Endres about the wide variety of free and confidential programs the center offers. Along the way you will learn a little bit of history of the Farm Center and how to easily access the services their experienced team ...
Kevin Plante and Mark Schmitz help Wisconsin farmers navigate the process of transferring their farms to the next generation. Both work at the Wisconsin Farm Center as Farm Transition Advisors, and in this episode of our podcast, they offer some tips to farmers thinking about transition planning or already in the process. They connected with their colleague, Karen Endres, to discuss transition planning, how the Farm Center works wi...
This episode digs into a topic that’s a little different from Rural Realities’ usual content, but it’s something that affects us all and can be especially relevant during the holidays: consumer protection. The Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres sat down with Michelle Reinen, Division Administrator for the Division of Consumer Protection at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, to talk about scams that can ...
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...
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...
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 ha...
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 t...
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...
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 R...
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 conver...
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 determinat...
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 ...
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 Wiscons...
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...
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 End...
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