TransFARMation

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.

Episode Description: On July 18, 2022, 15-year old Chance Jacobson was out checking fences. While making a left turn off of the highway on his way home, Chance's side-by-side was hit by a minivan. The ATV rolled, resulting in severe injuries. "I have a broken right femur: I have what is called internal degloving where the skin on my right leg was sheared from the muscle. On my left knee, I'm missing my miniscus and a little bone." As a result, Chance spent nearly 40 days in the hospital and went through about a dozen surgeries. "At first, it was just about survival, but as time went on it became more about the mental part when I couldn't go out and do things." Chase's dad, John Jacobson, is also featured in this TransFARMation podcast. "The rural areas are really amazing; we had so many people offering to help with anything and everything." Chance has a tremendous attitude and is focused on his goals. "The last time I was on a horse was the day before the accident and I'd like get back to that. I also want to get this left knee moving so I can clutch and drive the truck this fall."

Episode Description: Most farmers enjoyed a good harvest and are experiencing decent markets. However, the high cost of crop inputs has cut into the margins on the farm. In addition to financial challenges, farmers and ranchers face unique stressors. In the latest TransFARMation podcast, Becky Kopp Dunham discusses the dynamics facing agriculture today. Kopp Dunham is a therapist with a special focus on issues relating to farm stress. "There are just so many moving parts to a farming and ranching operation. There are a variety of things that impact them financially that are outside of a farmer's control and that's what makes it so difficult." Thanks to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for your support for this episode.

Episode Description: Minnesota's Farm Advocate program has been in place since 1984, but many people may not be aware of this important resource. David Hesse, who farms at Comfrey, says Farm Advocates can assist with balance sheets, cash flow projections and participate in the negotiations with the lender. "Everything is up in the air right now, " Hesse told RRFN. "We've got prices like we've not been able to put into a cash flow before and we've got expenses like we've never had before." In addition to high crop input costs, Hesse is concerned about the drought and its impact on the bottomlie for producers. In the TransFARMation podcast, Hesse said it is important to get out ahead of a potential problem. "The sooner you contact us and get us involved, the better it will be."

Episode Description: Most people would assume the number of calls to a rural mental health specialist would decline when the farm economy is strong. That's not the case. "Even in really good financial times when the commodity prices are up, the phone is still ringing," said Monica McConkey, Minnesota Rural Mental Health Specialist. "That's just an indicator that finances are just one piece of a whole bunch of things that farmers are facing." McConkey said many of the people she works with are dealing with a relationship issue. The stress of farm transition is a common topic. Farming is unique with multiple generations working together. "There's a lot to unpack in farm transitions." McConkey also helps lead a farm suicide loss group and discusses this issue in the TransFarmation podcast. The stressors impacting farm youth are also part of this conversation.