Rural Realities Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

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.