AGRIMINDS: Personal & Professional Development In Agriculture

Kacee Bohle
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Support for the side of agriculture no one talks about: burnout, boundaries, and balance. The AgriMinds® Podcast explores the intersections of personal growth and professional development in ag. You’ll hear real conversations on mindset, leadership, mental health, and the pressure of carrying it all—at work and at home. Whether you're here to find clarity, feel less alone, or just grow a little, you're in the right place. Learn more: www.kaceebohle.com

  1. FEB 10

    220 The Discipline to Build What Doesn’t Exist Yet with Melissa Nelson

    In today’s episode, Kacee sits down with Melissa Nelson—a crop research scientist in Kansas and the force behind Performance Crop Research and South Bend Industrial Hemp. But this conversation isn’t just about business… it’s about what it takes to keep moving forward when the path isn’t clear, when the industry isn’t caught up yet, and when life (or leadership) demands more from you than you feel ready to give. Melissa shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building in a “niche within a niche” industry, how their team made a hard left or hard right decision to become the solution to their biggest bottleneck, and why personal development isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s foundational. Kacee also shares a full-circle story: Melissa was the person who helped land Kacee’s first legitimate speaking engagement—a moment that sparked the chain reaction that led to AGRIMINDS as it exists today. This episode is packed with practical mindset shifts, leadership reminders, and the kind of encouragement that makes you want to raise your standards—and help someone else rise too. In this episode, we talk about:Melissa’s background in crop research and how ag data becomes real-world product labelsWhy they launched South Bend Industrial Hemp—and what happened when processing became the bottleneckThe mindset required to innovate, execute, and lead through uncertaintySupport systems vs. personal accountability (and why both matter)“If I’m the smartest person in the room, I’m in the wrong room”Building discipline through routines, standards, and doing hard things consistentlyLeadership lessons learned through seasons of change—entrepreneurship, family, grief, and growthThe power of mentorship, coaching, and sending the elevator back downHow Melissa approaches employee development: “A better you makes a better us.”Advocacy and education: bridging gaps between different ag perspectives through tours and conversations Memorable takeawayYou don’t rise to your level of expectations—you fall to your level of standards.Build the habits and processes now, so you have a foundation when life gets hard and when things are going well.Links + resources mentionedFollow Melissa on Instagram: @MLNelson13South Bend Industrial Hemp: southbendindustrialhemp.comPerformance Crop Research: performancecropresearch.orgFind Melissa on LinkedIn: Melissa NelsonBooks mentioned: Can’t Hurt Me (David Goggins), Relentless + Winning (Tim Grover)Connect with AGRIMINDSSubscribe to the AGRIMINDS PodcastLearn more about AGRIMINDSFollow Kacee/AGRIMINDS on social: LinkedIn Instagram

    48 min

  2. FEB 3

    219 The Setback No One Prepares You For with Cassie Yontz

    Some setbacks don’t come with warning signs. They don’t unfold gradually or allow time to adjust the plan. They stop you cold—and force you to figure out who you are and how you move forward when everything you expected suddenly changes. In this episode of the AGRIMINDS Podcast, Kacee Bohle sits down with Cassie Yontz, an agriculture professional and working mom from Bloomington, Illinois, to talk about one of those moments: a breast cancer diagnosis at 31 years old, in the middle of early motherhood and a full, demanding career. Cassie shares what it was like to have life abruptly interrupted—and the mindset required to keep moving forward when the path ahead looked nothing like the one she had prepared for. This conversation isn’t about giving up or losing control; it’s about strength, perseverance, and learning how to lead yourself through something no one trains you for. Together, Kacee and Cassie explore: What happens when life delivers a setback you didn’t see comingWhy some leadership lessons can only be learned through lived experienceThe mental strength required to face uncertainty and keep showing upHow identity shifts when productivity and plans are no longer the anchorLeading with perspective, empathy, and grit after life forces a pauseWhy mindset, faith, and support systems matter when the road gets hard This episode is for leaders, professionals, parents, and anyone who’s been knocked off course by a setback they never anticipated—and is figuring out how to move forward with strength and intention. About the GuestCassie Yontz is an agriculture professional and the voice behind Life After the Lump, where she shares her experience navigating cancer, recovery, and life after a major health disruption with honesty and hope. Learn more about Cassie’s story: lifeafterthelump.com

    1h 10m

  3. JAN 27

    218 Managing People, Pressure, and Pigs with Adam Walters

    Strong leadership is rarely the result of a straight line. More often, it’s shaped by unexpected pivots, early influences, and mentors who create space for growth. In this episode of the AGRIMINDS Podcast, Kacee Bohle is joined by Adam Walters of Tosh Farms for a thoughtful conversation on leadership development, culture, and what it takes to grow into responsibility over time. Adam shares how a sports injury early in his career altered his original path—and how the discipline, structure, and team mindset developed through athletics became foundational to his leadership approach. What began as an unplanned role in agriculture evolved into a long-term calling, shaped by hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and leaders who allowed room to learn through doing—even when outcomes didn’t go according to plan. Together, Kacee and Adam explore leadership principles that have guided his growth, including intentional training, clear expectations, strengths-based development, and accountability built on trust rather than control. The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship—particularly leaders who give people the confidence to take ownership, learn from mistakes, and grow without fear of failure. The episode also addresses self-leadership under pressure, including managing stress, maintaining perspective, and continuing personal growth while carrying significant responsibility. This episode is especially relevant for leaders who: Have taken a non-traditional or unexpected path into leadershipWant to develop people through experience, not just instructionValue mentorship, trust, and long-term growth over quick fixesAre committed to building strong cultures through clarity and consistency About the GuestAdam Walters leads wean-to-finish operations at Tosh Farms and brings nearly two decades of experience in leadership, team development, and operational excellence within agriculture.

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 20

    217 Time Mastery: When Life Doesn’t Follow the Plan with Alex Lowery

    Time management can feel like a moving target… especially in agriculture and rural life. Some seasons are full throttle. Some are heavy. Some require a pivot you didn’t plan for. And even when you do plan, life still shows up—kids get sick, schedules get messy, equipment breaks, family needs change, and suddenly you’re just trying to keep up. In this episode, Kacee sits down with Alex Lowery (founder of Lowery & Company and Rural Change Makers Co—and an upcoming AGRIMINDS Summit speaker) to talk about time mastery, prioritization, and finding margin in the middle. This isn’t a “perfect schedule” conversation. It’s real life—how to be intentional with your time without turning your entire life into a to-do list. You’ll hear: Why activity doesn’t equal productivity (and how that mindset shift changes everything)The difference between time management vs. time mastery—and why the language mattersHow to navigate the tension between rest vs. productivity without guiltWhy “quiet time” can be restorative… and why it can also feel uncomfortable for someHow priorities shift in different seasons: parenting, caregiving, business cycles, and ag lifeThe power of awareness + check-ins to realign before you hit burnoutWhat Alex is bringing to the AGRIMINDS Summit: part story, part workshop, with practical tools you can actually use This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in real rural life—where responsibility is high, seasons change fast, and “balance” is rarely a clean formula. If you’ve been craving more clarity, more margin, or a better way to approach your time… this one is for you. Guest: Alex LoweryFollow: @alexjlowery + @ruralchangemakerscoWebsites :https://alexjlowery.com/ Learn more about the AGRIMINDS Summit: kaceebohle.com/summit BONUS RESOURCE: Grab the Time Mastery Toolkit HERE

    1h 2m

  5. JAN 13

    216 Therapy in Agriculture: What It Is, Who It’s For, and How to Get Started with Colleen Stegenga

    Therapy in agriculture can feel confusing… or even intimidating. How do you know if you “need” it? What’s the difference between a therapist and a counselor? How does insurance work? And what if the person you talk to doesn’t understand ag life at all? In this episode, Kacee sits down with Colleen Stegenga, a licensed social worker and therapist based in South Dakota, to answer the most common (and most honest) questions people in agriculture have about therapy. Together, they break down what therapy actually is, who it’s for, and why it can be just as important as maintaining your equipment, your land, and your livestock—because the health of the operation starts with you. You’ll hear: Signs it may be time to talk to someone (stress, sleep, irritability, isolation, coping habits, and more)The difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching—and how they can complement each otherTypes of therapy you may not realize exist (CBT, DBT, trauma therapies like ART/EMDR, and even equine-assisted work)What “ag-informed” therapy means and why it mattersPractical, in-the-moment tools you can use today (like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique and 4-7-8 breathing)How to start finding support—even if insurance, deductibles, or access feels overwhelming This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in the reality of agriculture: long hours, heavy responsibility, legacy pressure, and the tendency to carry it all alone. If you’ve ever wondered where therapy fits into your life—or how to start—this one is for you. Guest: Colleen Stegenga, LSWWebsite: embracingchangecs.com

    42 min

  6. JAN 6

    215 Why You’re Always On Edge — and How to Finally Feel Calm Again with Greg Kruger

    Stress, burnout, anxiety, frustration, and even depression are things many of us feel on a day-to-day basis — often without realizing just how much they’re affecting us. For a lot of people in agriculture, it can feel like you’re always “on.”Always reacting.Always carrying something.And rarely fully relaxed. In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Kruger, one of the speakers at the AGRIMINDS® Summit, to talk about where these feelings actually come from, how living in constant fight-or-flight impacts us mentally and physically, and what we can do to start retraining our brain and regulating our nervous system. Greg explains why our bodies often stay stuck in survival mode, even when there’s no immediate threat — and how simple, intentional practices like breath, awareness, and language can help us slow down, respond differently, and feel more grounded. This conversation isn’t about fixing yourself or pushing harder. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface — and learning how to create days that feel calmer, clearer, more energized, and more peaceful. If you’re tired of feeling on edge and ready to actually enjoy your life again, this episode is a powerful place to start. Key TakeawaysWhy stress and burnout don’t just “go away” on their ownHow fight-or-flight shows up as anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, and reactivityThe mental and physical toll of staying in survival modeWhy nervous system regulation matters more than willpowerSimple ways to begin retraining your brain and bodyHow small daily practices can lead to feeling calmer, more present, and more at peaceAbout Greg KrugerGreg Kruger is the founder of Forgotten Truth Coaching, where he works with leaders, first responders, and high-performing professionals to help them understand how physiology, breath, awareness, and language shape behavior and overall well-being. Connect with Greg: Website: ForgottenTruthCoaching.comEmail: greg@ForgottenTruthCoaching.comInstagram: @meditationjunkieFacebook: Greg KrugerExperience This Work in PersonGreg will be leading live, experiential nervous system and breathwork sessions at the AGRIMINDS® Summit in March 2026. Hearing about this work is helpful.Experiencing it in real time is where real change happens. 👉 Learn more and save your seat here

    1h 17m

  7. 12/30/2025

    214 What Actually Keeps Employees and What Employers Really Want with Natalie McFarland

    In this episode of the AGRIMINDS Podcast, I’m joined by Natalie McFarland, Founder + President of McFarland Productions (and their film arm, Off Your Rocker Films)—a marketing + creative agency serving Western agriculture and the outdoor industry. Natalie shares the leadership mindset and behind-the-scenes culture that’s helped her build a fully remote team across multiple time zones—without losing connection, clarity, or accountability. We dig into the reality of remote work (what actually makes it succeed), how to avoid siloed teams, and why hiring the right people matters even more than hiring the “perfect resume.” We also get honest about labor, expectations, and what both employers and employees can do to build workplaces that don’t burn people out—especially in industries where seasonal intensity is the norm. If you’re leading a team, building a business, or trying to create a healthier work culture in agriculture, this conversation will give you both practical ideas and a perspective that’s hard to ignore. What we cover:Building a strong culture in a fully remote companyWhy video-on communication and intentional systems matterHiring: “right people over right skill” (and why)How leaders can reduce burnout by caring about the human part of workThe danger of silos—and how to break them downWhat’s really happening with labor (and what both sides can own)Why vacation culture can either restore people… or wreck themConnect with Natalie + McFarland ProductionsMcFarland Productions: https://mcfarlandproductions.com/ Connect with Kacee + AGRIMINDSAGRIMINDS: www.kaceebohle.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcoachkacee/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaceebohle/

    1h 14m

  8. 12/23/2025

    213 From Grindstone to Grounded: Translating Mental Health for Agriculture with Thomas Eisenbarth

    In this episode of the AGRIMINDS Podcast, Kacee sits down with Thomas Eisenbarth—a fifth-generation Kansas producer, ag educator, and mental health advocate—who is doing the hard, necessary work of translating mental health concepts into language that actually makes sense for agriculture. Thomas shares his personal story of growing up in a cow-calf operation, navigating generational silence around emotions, and how therapy helped him reconnect with his nervous system after decades of “just pushing through.” Together, they unpack why so many mental health conversations in ag jump straight from stress to crisis—and what’s missing in between. This is a practical, honest conversation about: Why sleep, self-awareness, and thought patterns matter more than we realizeHow “autopilot mode” keeps ag professionals stuck—and how to pause itCognitive distortions farmers experience (like catastrophizing) and how to interrupt themWhy boundaries are bridges, not wallsHow to talk about struggling without feeling like a burdenWhat it actually looks like to support someone who opens upBridging the generational gap in agriculture—between grandparents, producers, and the next generation Thomas also shares the work he’s doing through Grounded Ag, including supporting farmers, ranchers, and young people in rural communities where access to mental health resources is limited. If you’re in agriculture and feel like the “grind it out” mindset isn’t working anymore—but don’t resonate with traditional mental health messaging—this episode is for you. 🎧 And if this conversation resonates, you’ll be able to hear more from Thomas in person at the AGRIMINDS® Summit, where he’ll be joining a panel focused on real-life tools, conversations, and support for ag professionals.

    39 min
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About

Support for the side of agriculture no one talks about: burnout, boundaries, and balance. The AgriMinds® Podcast explores the intersections of personal growth and professional development in ag. You’ll hear real conversations on mindset, leadership, mental health, and the pressure of carrying it all—at work and at home. Whether you're here to find clarity, feel less alone, or just grow a little, you're in the right place. Learn more: www.kaceebohle.com

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