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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
  • "Building Trust as a Foundation for Assisting with Transition Planning” with Nikki Lennart, New Wisconsin Farm Center Team Member

    "Building Trust as a Foundation for Assisting with Transition Planning” with Nikki Lennart, New Wisconsin Farm Center Team Member
    Jul 30 2025

    From working with beginning farmers to helping farmers navigate the process of transferring farms from one generation to the next or transitioning from one type of agriculture to another, Nikki Lennart is ready for the call. Nikki joined the Wisconsin Farm Center team in June as an Ag Program Specialist. She connected with her colleague, Karen Endres, to discuss her unique background and her approach to her new role.

    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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    17 mins
  • Rooted in Resilience, Growing in Grace: An Update with Sydni Mell

    Rooted in Resilience, Growing in Grace: An Update with Sydni Mell
    Jun 26 2025

    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.
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    41 mins
  • Cultivating Gratitude on the Farm

    Cultivating Gratitude on the Farm
    May 23 2025

    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.
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    10 mins
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