Growing up on a farm can be stressful, but it also helps develop resiliency. In this update episode, we reconnect with Sydni Mell, who experienced a life-changing farm accident as a college freshman that left her paralyzed and without the use of her legs. Despite this, Sydni graduated from UW–Madison in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science. She graduated on time and navigated campus and a life full of new challenges. She shares how her upbringing on a Wisconsin dairy farm and her strong connection to agriculture helped her adapt, persevere, and move forward. Enjoy this inspiring conversation of tragedy, hope, and determination as Sydni reflects on her journey 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.

In this episode of Rural Realities, Part 4 of our special series for Mental Health Month, host Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Farm Center shares how a simple daily gratitude practice can help farmers stay positive through the ups and downs of agriculture. Life on the farm isn’t easy but taking a few minutes each day to focus on what’s going right can build resilience, patience, and strength. Tune in and learn how small shifts in perspective can make a big difference on the farm and at home.

Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than one 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.

In this episode of Rural Realities, Part 3 of our special series for Mental Health Month, host Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center talks directly to farmers about building resilience through the ups and downs of farm life. From weather challenges to family stresses, Karen shares real-world tips to help you stay strong, focused, and grounded. Tune in for practical ways to care for yourself — because healthy farms start with healthy farmers.

Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than one 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.