TransFARMation

Episode Description: Our guests have shared personal stories of farm stress and mental wellness. McKenzie Darling first shared this story in the summer of 2019. The issue of suicide ideation and suicide prevention is shared.

Episode Description: We revisit a TransFARMation episode from June of 2019 with Dale Zahradka. This Lankin, North Dakota farmer shares his family's personal experience with suicide with the loss of their son.

Episode Description: THis edition of TransFARMation made its debut in May of 2019. Theresia Gillie farms at Hallock, Minnesota and her experience remains relevant today.

Episode Description: In a conversation with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, we talked about financial pressures and the impact on the farm. Duvall shares his personal story after the loss of his wife. This podcast originally aired in March of 2020.

Episode Description: Fran and Mary Ann Miron are in the process of transitioning their Hugo, Minnesota dairy farm to two of their sons. This farm has been in the Miron family since 1887 and values that legacy. "I don't think there's a farmer out there if they have children if they love what they're doing would love to see their kids follow in their footsteps. We have that responsibility and obligation to try to make that happen if that's our desire." Fran shares his family's experience in this conversation. TransFARMation is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Episode Description: NDSU Farm and Ranch Safety Coordinator Angie Johnson grew up with a passion for the agriculture industry. “I've always had a drive for agriculture and to help people,” said Johnson. Some close calls and tragedies drove the passion for her career. Her dad has recovered from an injury from an accident he had while installing duels on a tractor. “We have an opportunity to provide prevention-based education where we can truly do as much as we can on education, awareness, and training programs to help people make the best decisions to prevent an injury or a fatal situation.” Johnson says this includes helping people find mental health resources as well. Helping just one person avoid injury or overcome a challenging time is Johnson’s objective. TransFARMation is made possible through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and its Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Find resources on the North Dakota Department of Ag website. [audio mp3="https://www.rrfn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Angie-Johnson-TransFARMation-2024_02_13_15_23_00.mp3"][/audio]

Episode Description: There was a stigma surrounding the topic of mental health in the past. North Dakota State University Vice President of Agricultural Affairs Greg Lardy says that is changing. "There is more openness to talk about those things, but I can tell you from my personal experience there was definitely a stigma associated with that." In this TransFARMation podcast, Lardy shares his Mother's battle with depression and anxiety. "It had a toll on my family and my folks; you could feel the stress even as a child you knew something wasn't quite right." Lardy outlined the role of NDSU Extension in increasing the awareness of mental wellness and the resources available. "It is important that we continue to have this kind of conversation and bring more awareness to the challenges that are out there." TransFARMation is made possible through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and its Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.

Episode Description: Doug Bichler is using his story to inspire others. In 2017, Doug lost his arm in a baler and was only a few weeks into recovery when his daughter was born. Almost seven years later, the Bichlers have made several changes to their operation including how they calve cows, the amount of hay they put up, and more. Now Doug speaks to crowds about how a mindset that wouldn't allow him to quit keeps him going to this day. He also credits a strong network that was there when the accident happened and continues to be there when he needs a listening ear.

Episode Description: With milk prices in the $15 per hundredweight range, dairy farmers are making difficult decisions. Derrick and Amanda Sommers of Waseca, Minnesota went through a similar scenario five years ago when they sold the cows and transitioned to a life after dairying. The emotion is still ripe five years later. Derrick and Amanda share tehir story and also highlight the importance of the Minnesota rural mental health specialists, Farm Business Management and their own network of family and friends.

Episode Description: From the uncertainties of weather to high input costs, farming and ranching remains a high stress occupation. In this podcast, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring discusses the stress and anxiety found in agriculture today. The triple murder suicide in North Dakota's Towner County hit home for many folks and still having an impact today. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and its Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides additional resources. Listen to this edition of the podcast.