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Rural Realities

Rural Realities

By: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
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Given the ongoing challenges facing the agriculture industry – low prices, uncertain markets, trade uncertainty, and inclement weather - it’s no surprise that farmers and farm families are experiencing more stress. “Rural Realities” focuses on helping farmers tap into their resilient nature by presenting advice from experts that can help reduce stress, improve a farm’s financial situation, implement good farm family communication skills, and more. ***The department is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of department policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the department. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by department employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the department or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact our Department’s General Counsel.

© 2025 Rural Realities Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Connecting with Farmers Online

    Connecting with Farmers Online
    Nov 12 2025

    Tom Moos and Deb Jakubek are the peer leaders for the Wisconsin Farm Center’s “Rural Relations” Online Support Group. “Rural Relations” is an online group for Wisconsin farmers and their families that is a safe space to share resources, encouragement, and advice while reducing stigma around difficult issues. It also offers participants practical guidance and tools to improve farm communications and relationships. In this episode, Tom and Deb connect with Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres to talk about how this group started, and how it supports and connects farmers across the state.

    Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred 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.
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    28 mins
  • You’re Not Alone, Part 2: Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities with the Farmer Angel Network

    You’re Not Alone, Part 2: Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities with the Farmer Angel Network
    Oct 27 2025

    Dorothy Harms and Vicky Meinholz, two of the leaders of the Farmer Angel Network, continue their conversation with the Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres about suicide prevention and the importance of hope in rural communities.

    Farmer Angel Network was created after the loss of Dorothy and Vicki’s friend, Leon Statz, who died by suicide. Since then, the two have dedicated themselves to supporting farmer mental health through education, outreach, and unique community events.

    Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred 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.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • You’re Not Alone, Part 1: Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities with the Farmer Angel Network

    You’re Not Alone, Part 1: Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities with the Farmer Angel Network
    Oct 17 2025

    Dorothy Harms and Vicky Meinholz, two of the leaders of the Farmer Angel Network, join “Rural Realities” to share their story and mission. The network was created after the loss of their friend, Leon Statz, who died by suicide. Since then, Dorothy and Vicky have dedicated themselves to supporting farmer mental health through education, outreach, and unique community events. In this episode, they connect with Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres to talk about suicide prevention and the importance of hope in rural communities.

    Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred 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.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
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