Unspoken AG Grant & Sara

We're BACK! And we are featuring the wonderful Josie Lonetti, public policy extraordinaire, in this episode while we begin to unpack the increased rural vs. urban divide, politics, voting, policy impacts on agriculture and so much more. 

In all honesty, we're going to be bringing Josie back to deep dive into some more in depth topics in the future because we think these things are important to discuss. We may not always agree on everything - you'll hear a variety of stances and ideas in this episode alone, but we know the conversation is important. 

In this episode we chat with Tyler Nelson, a young farmer from Northern Minnesota who has slowly worked to transition his crop acres to organic while milking a conventional dairy herd. Hear about some of his struggles, advice and why he worked out a plan to transition part of his farm to organic. 

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The conversation around mental health and seeking help typically stems around suicide awareness. What if we put into motion the tools we need to combat that before that even becomes a thought? What if we seek help in a variety of forms to give us the tools we need to unpack trauma, work through tough situations, evaluate and understand our emotions, learn how to communicate and so much more? Front end mental health work is SO important. In today's episode we talk about why seeking help during all times in our lives will make us and our lives better for the long run and that there is no shame in seeking help to get the resources and tools you need to sort through trauma, emotions, challenges, etc. 

In today's episode, we catch up with Matt Braun, a farmer from southern Minnesota. Although he is maybe out of the "young farmer and rancher" status - he is still a beginning farmer, after choosing to strike out on his own with his farming operation. Matt discusses the tough choices of farming on your own, being a good family member and not comparing your operation to others with social media's highlight reels. He also talks about why showing up and taking the time to volunteer is so important to your community. 

Raise the Rent - says young farmer Matt Adrian when it comes to your mental health. Find out just what that means in today's episode. Listen in to learn more about Matt's struggle with mental health and depression as a farmer and how he utilized tools to overcome, find hope and reach his goals. 



Stress & Crisis Help for Farmers: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress/copingstress 

Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: 833-600-2670 x 1

Everyone's picture of success for their operation looks differently. In today's episode we discuss why you shouldn't let others' opinions of your operation define your views of your success. You never know how hard someone has worked or the obstacles they have encountered and conquered to continue to farm. Make a plan. Work the Plan. Adjust the plan when needed and work it some more. You do you!