Agribusiness is a key Wisconsin industry, but it takes a mighty toll on the mental health of the farmers who drive it. Long hours coupled with the burden farms take on at the start of each season to grow crops or raise livestock create physical and financial risks, all of which create a stressful environment that can be difficult to navigate.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin bestselling author Michael Perry and University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability Farm Succession Outreach Specialist Joy Kirkpatrick for a discussion on farmer wellbeing and mental health. Perry shares highlights from his latest book, “Forty Acres Deep,” which chronicles one fictional Wisconsin farmer’s struggles, while Kirkpatrick, a certified adult mental health first aid trainer, discusses the unique challenges faced by Wisconsin’s farming community.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255.
Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741
Twitter: @AgMentalHealth
Episode Credits
- Shereen Siewert Host
- Rick Reyer Producer
- Michael Perry Guest
- Joy Kirkpatrick Guest
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
