Agriculture has always required resilience — but today's producers are navigating unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Inflation pressures, volatile commodity markets, tariffs, succession stress, and rising input costs are creating a heavy emotional load across farm families.

In this powerful and deeply needed conversation, we sit down with Colleen Stegenga of Embracing Change Counseling to talk openly about mental health in agriculture.

Colleen shares her background, her connection to farming, and how she found her calling in mental health support. Together, we unpack the difference between normal stress and mental health concerns, how to recognize warning signs, when to seek help, and how to start difficult conversations.

We also go deeper — addressing stigma in rural communities, suicide awareness, emergency situations, and the resources available to producers and their families.

This episode is honest, compassionate, and essential listening for anyone in agriculture.

About Our Guest

Colleen Stegenga is a mental health professional and founder of Embracing Change Counseling. With a deep understanding of both rural life and emotional wellbeing, Colleen works closely with individuals and families navigating stress, transition, anxiety, grief, and crisis.

Her passion lies in supporting farming communities with practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real conversations that break down stigma and isolation.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

* Colleen's background and journey into mental health and agriculture * The current mental health landscape in farming communities * Financial stress, commodity volatility, inflation, and external pressures * The difference between mental health and mental illness * How to distinguish normal stress from deeper mental health concerns * When it's time to seek professional support * The state of stigma in rural communities * Suicide awareness, warning signs, and prevention * How to start conversations when you're worried about someone * What to do in an emergency mental health situation * Where to find training, support, and trusted resources

Farming requires strength. But strength is not silence.

Resilience doesn't mean carrying everything alone.

If you're struggling — or if someone around you is — help is available. Conversations matter. Support exists. And there is hope, even in the hardest seasons.

If this episode resonated with you:

* Share it with someone in your farm community * Start one meaningful conversation this week * Subscribe to The Impact Farming Show * Leave a review to help more producers access these critical conversations

And remember — taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your operation.

You are not alone.

Thanks for tuning in my friend,

Tracy

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