In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney and Michele Payn discuss how parents, 4-H leaders and other adults can set a good example of stress management, the current state of mental health in agriculture and how it is impacting youth, available resources and more.

Payn wrote two articles that are in the Sept. 12 and Oct. 1 issues of Progressive Dairy about mental health and how it is affecting youth in agriculture. 

Episode overview:

• [~1:15] About Payn’s work in agriculture
• [~2:05] Current state of mental health in agriculture 
• [~3:15] Mental health impacts on farm businesses
• [~6:00] Mental health topics producers and the agricultural industry are talking about 
• [~7:35] Stress management 
• [~15:10] The impact smartphones, social media and other technology are having on loneliness and lack of true connection
• [~18:30] Tips to help adults teach youth how to build fulfilling relationships and community 
• [~22:00] How to have difficult conversations about mental health issues with youth
• [~26:05] Warning signs parents, 4-H leaders and others who work with kids should look out for
• [~28:00] The impact feeling stuck can have on youth and adults in agriculture 
• [~32:30] Resources
• [~34:35] What else can listeners do to help themselves feel more in control and more at ease amid so many uncertainties in agriculture?
• [~37:00] Rapid-fire questions