We're BACK! And we are featuring the wonderful Josie Lonetti, public policy extraordinaire, in this episode while we begin to unpack the increased rural vs. urban divide, politics, voting, policy impacts on agriculture and so much more. 

In all honesty, we're going to be bringing Josie back to deep dive into some more in depth topics in the future because we think these things are important to discuss. We may not always agree on everything - you'll hear a variety of stances and ideas in this episode alone, but we know the conversation is important. 

In this episode we chat with Tyler Nelson, a young farmer from Northern Minnesota who has slowly worked to transition his crop acres to organic while milking a conventional dairy herd. Hear about some of his struggles, advice and why he worked out a plan to transition part of his farm to organic. 

Like what you hear? Don't forget to rate our podcast. 

The conversation around mental health and seeking help typically stems around suicide awareness. What if we put into motion the tools we need to combat that before that even becomes a thought? What if we seek help in a variety of forms to give us the tools we need to unpack trauma, work through tough situations, evaluate and understand our emotions, learn how to communicate and so much more? Front end mental health work is SO important. In today's episode we talk about why seeking help during all times in our lives will make us and our lives better for the long run and that there is no shame in seeking help to get the resources and tools you need to sort through trauma, emotions, challenges, etc. 

In today's episode, we catch up with Matt Braun, a farmer from southern Minnesota. Although he is maybe out of the "young farmer and rancher" status - he is still a beginning farmer, after choosing to strike out on his own with his farming operation. Matt discusses the tough choices of farming on your own, being a good family member and not comparing your operation to others with social media's highlight reels. He also talks about why showing up and taking the time to volunteer is so important to your community. 

Raise the Rent - says young farmer Matt Adrian when it comes to your mental health. Find out just what that means in today's episode. Listen in to learn more about Matt's struggle with mental health and depression as a farmer and how he utilized tools to overcome, find hope and reach his goals. 

Stress & Crisis Help for Farmers: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress/copingstress 

Everyone's picture of success for their operation looks differently. In today's episode we discuss why you shouldn't let others' opinions of your operation define your views of your success. You never know how hard someone has worked or the obstacles they have encountered and conquered to continue to farm. Make a plan. Work the Plan. Adjust the plan when needed and work it some more. You do you! 

We've seen some big changes and a resurgence in the direct to consumer market, especially in how consumers are purchasing meat. Check out this latest podcast to hear some of Grant & Sara's thoughts on things like pricing your product to make money (farmers don't sell yourself short), how the pig market isn't the norm right now, and what consumers and farmers need to know about processing and following the law. 

Don't forget to rate the podcast and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unspokenag

Today we bring you an interview with Pam Uhlenkamp, a Farm Business Management instructor in southern Minnesota. 

Don't know what FBM is? Curious as to how a FBM instructor can help your farm? Well, then you will want to tune in to this podcast. 

Helpful links to learn more: 

https://agcentric.org/what-we-do/education-training/farm-business-management/

https://www.centerofagriculture.org/farm-business-management/farm-business-management

https://www.cffm.umn.edu/

COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. Is your farm prepared if something were to happen to you or your spouse? In this episode, we discuss why it is so important to have information written down and in easy to find places in case something were to happen to you. Would someone be able to pick up and run your operation tomorrow if you were in the hospital? It is difficult to think about but necessary for your farm operation. 

Decisions on what is best for your farm operation can be difficult, and we want to clarify, we mean YOUR farm. As young farmers, we need to build our own operations outside of parents. You have to do the next right thing for your farm and family. That might mean leaving the family farm, going out on your own, deciding to stop farming or going to work full time. In this episode, Grant & Sara tackle some tough choices they both made with their operations and how that has helped them alleviate stress, change their operations or just plain do something different.  

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