Throwing Wrenches Mending Fences Podcast

Agrability uses assistive technology and devices to keep farmers farming as they age, or deal with an injury, long-term illness, or disability. Elaine Palm and the Michigan Sheep Producers came to me to ask if I would interview Sam Wolfe from Michigan State University Extension, who works with Agrability. Sam will be doing a Keynote at the Michigan Sheep Producers' Annual Shepherds Weekend Jan 9-11, 2026 in Lansing, MI.

Topics Covered:

What is agrability?

How can farmers make farming easier as they age?

What can farmers do if they are disabled?

Farming for Veterans

Farming for disabled veterans

What assistive devices and technology can help farmers and ranchers?

How can farmers and ranchers shift their operations if they get injured?

We need you!!! Send us your weekly wins or funny things that happened on your farm or with your family at [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

https://www.throwingwrenchesmendingfences.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Agrability

Michigan Website: https://www.michiganagrability.org/

National Website: https://www.agrability.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganAgrAbility

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi_agrability/

Connect with Michigan Sheep Producers:

Michigan Sheep Producers Association Website: https://misheep.org/

Michigan Sheep Producers Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganSheep

Christine Stamp aka, Seed Farmer's Wife on Instagram teaches people how to cook for the masses and she is here this week to share with us! If you are looking for tips and tricks to make field meals easier, less stressful and more streamlined then you are in the right place.

15 Ideas for Field Meals

Meatballs

Soups/stews

Hamburgers

Chicken drumsticks

Casserole-Lots of types

Tacos

Bbq beef or pork

Chicken-Mexican style

Hot dogs

Bakes zetti

Baked ham and cheese sandwiches

Baked turkey and swiss

Hot roast beef

Orange Chicken and rice balls

Sesame Chicken and rice balls

15 Tips and tricks to make field meals easier

Throwaway containers and silverware

Cook more than you think

Have desserts ready the night before

Have food done by the time you have to leave for kids sports, aka 3-4pm

Insulated bags!

Send the food with the trucker coming to your grain leg

Print your recipes-put notes in a binder and make notes

Toast all the buns!

Find what works for you and stop comparing

Everything doesn't need to be homemade-boxed or frozen stuff is fine

Create a plan and grocery shop once a week

Stock your freezer with meat before you start harvest or seeding

Ignore the DM's on social media

Find what works for you

Don't put so much pressure on yourself-not everything needs to be handheld

Take Sunday's off!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Seed Farmer's Wife-Chrstine Stamp

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seedfarmerswife/

Pain, soreness, headaches, trouble sleeping, do these things have to coincide with farming? Sometimes pain is from an injury, sometimes it just pops up. What can you do to reduce your pain and get back to work?

What is pain? Pain is a warning sign; your body will tell you to slow down or stop whatever you're continuing to do. This can lead to stress injury or overuse injury. If you continue to do that thing, your body will force you to stop.

1. Ice

2. Heat

3. Gentle range of motion

4. Stretching

5. Progressive muscle relaxation

6. Meditation Body Scan

7. Massage

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Body Mechanics Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bodymechanicsrehabwell

Having trouble with succession planning? Whether you're the older generation or the younger, you'll learn something in today's episode.

Elaine Froese CSP is a certified professional speaker, certified coach, and author. She's a go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition.

As a farmer and mother to the successor of their farm, she understands the culture of agriculture intimately.

Her superpower is helping families find harmony through understanding.

Topics Covered:

How to navigate farming family succession planning

How to communicate more effectively and directly

How to compromise with family farm transitions

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Elaine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmfamilycoach

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://elainefroese.com/

This is the story of how I knew I needed to start an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. I also had to switch Primary Care Physicians because my old PCP was not listening to me and seemed very resistant to prescribing any medication for mental health.

Greif, postpartum and the chaos of raising two toddlers sent me spiraling with both anxiety and depression. I got to a point where managing my mental health felt like a full time job, I did not have the time or the energy to manage my depression. My anxiety was making my ADHD worse, I couldn't get anything done and I knew in my gut that it was time to talk with my doctor about getting on something for my depression.

I was breastfeeding at the time, and I had read that anti-anxiety medication can help with the symptoms of ADHD. I also knew that often-times one medication can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. After talking with my doctor, she recommended Zoloft or Sertraline. I had very few side effects, and after about a week or 10 days, I noticed a difference. After two or three weeks I felt like my old self again. I was laughing and could enjoy my children and my life as it was, instead of drowning everything in toxic positivity and hoping for the best.

Topics Covered:

Why I wanted to switch primary care physicians

How grief and postpartum contributed to my mental health

How I knew I needed an Anti-Depressant Medication

How I knew I needed an Anti-Anxiety Medication

How to talk with your doctor about mental health

How I got diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Paper calendar people unite! Jackie Sanford is the queen of the calendar! This week, she teaches us all about how she breaks down her paper calendar starting with the big picture and breaking it down into time blocks to really hammer out her to-do list.

Topics covered:

Scheduling a year at a time

How to do a weekly review

Time blocks

How to stay on the same page with your spouse

How to say no!

This is an excellent conversation that will change the way you structure your schedule!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Jackie Sanford

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanfordfamilybeef

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanfordfamilybeef/

Website: https://www.sanfordfamilybeef.com/

Healthy coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc can be tough, it's easy to turn to alcohol, gambling, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Tune into this candid conversation with Lauren Martin.

Topics Covered:

What is Anxiety

What is depression

How to know if you are using unhealthy coping mechanisms

How does addiction play into mental health

How alcohol becomes a slippery slope

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Lauren at Middle Path Therapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middlepaththerapy

Website: https://www.middlepaththerapy.org/

Being super type A and organized is NOT required so don't worry! Debbie Gress is a Field Meal pro! She is an athletic trainer, runs their family beef market and serves field meals like a pro!

Here's 5 steps to help you make field meals easier:

1 Print out your calendar and write everything out

2 Plan out what is for dinner (Need some idea's? Debbie's got you covered, send me an email and I'll forward it along)

3 Make a shopping list

4 Cook, deliver and eat!

5 Reflect, write down on the Calander what worked well and what you would change.

Do you want some of Debbie's recipes? She sent me a message or email at [email protected] and I will forward you Debbie's recipes.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Connect with Debbie Gress:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintagebeeffarms

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagebeeffarms

Website: https://www.gressfarms.com/

Emmy was stranded on a mountain island with her dairy herd, but there are hundreds of people so much worse off.

They need our help. Please join me in giving money, food, feed, fencing supplies, hay, etc to the relief efforts of Hurricane Helene.

If you are able to donate Hay, Feed, Water, or pasture space please see the link HERE: https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFswzxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbZwNqJ64mLezx4NnEre4dzY3yMlW8a5TcWaBFj4vGdXbbM-wCvY9qTfnA_aem_ZsHd4x-iCH_8x2yTMLzk6g

Learn more information: https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/hurricane-helene-aftermath-mi-young-farmers-offer-help?fbclid=IwY2xjawFswXZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUpwMOcKyKFt-kbZx6SKII8vrFY5-W1SxGniVGPuD2TlbJsELsUdkr7xoQ_aem_SWwYNzmcU_hSuJJlNgGCHw

If you can give money please see some links below:

Volunteer helicopter fleet fuel Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuel-helicopters-to-save-nc-mountain-communities?qid=0f1f44e4697b71a8654a402e98f02b76

Southern Patriot Farms: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPatriotFarms

Mountain Mule Packer Ranch: https://www.facebook.com/mountainmulepackersranch

Funny farm tn: https://www.facebook.com/funnyfarmtn

East_tn_farmher: https://www.tiktok.com/@east_tn_farmher?lang=en

Creekside Family Farms: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093406516285

Connect with me:

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

Over 100 people dead, and over 600 still missing, dozens of farms whipped off the map. $2.5 Billion in Ag losses in one county is Georgia alone.

They need our help. Please join me in giving money, food, feed, fencing supplies, hay, etc to the relief efforts of Hurricane Helene.

Find out where to help HERE: https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFswzxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbZwNqJ64mLezx4NnEre4dzY3yMlW8a5TcWaBFj4vGdXbbM-wCvY9qTfnA_aem_ZsHd4x-iCH_8x2yTMLzk6g

Learn more information: https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/hurricane-helene-aftermath-mi-young-farmers-offer-help?fbclid=IwY2xjawFswXZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUpwMOcKyKFt-kbZx6SKII8vrFY5-W1SxGniVGPuD2TlbJsELsUdkr7xoQ_aem_SWwYNzmcU_hSuJJlNgGCHw

Connect with me:

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.

Connect with Sarah Zastrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/

Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/

Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/