Jen Roberts: Mental health challenges for veterinarians and producers and how to optimize your well-being

Jen Roberts: Mental health challenges for veterinarians and producers and how to optimize your well-being

Author: Progressive Dairy editors January 28, 2025 Duration: 42:14

Mental health among veterinarians has been a hot topic in the industry for several years. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Dr. Jen Roberts from Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss the importance of mental health among veterinarians and dairy producers, examine survey data and share some tips for how people involved in agriculture can improve their physical and mental well-being to be their best selves.

Link to BI’s Share the Weight program

Link to Progressive Dairy Podcast episode about nutrition, sleep and optimizing health during busy seasons


Here's a breakdown of the episode:

  • [~1:20] About Roberts, her background and her work with veterinarians and dairy producers
  • [~2:10] Why mental health matters in agriculture, especially with veterinarians and producers
  • [~3:15] The difference between mental health and well-being
  • [~4:40] Roberts discusses survey data 
  • [~10:50] Some reasons for mental health challenges among veterinarians
  • [~12:35] Tips for listeners to be proactive with their physical health and mental fitness
  • [~22:55] The importance of implementing boundaries and how to put boundaries in place 
  • [~30:15] Resources available 
  • [~36:00] Rapid-fire questions

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Progressive Dairy Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Is There A Dairy Renaissance Coming? YES! (Sponsored Podcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
Join Barb O’Brien, CEO of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), and Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Chair of DMI, as they explore the exciting “dairy renaissance” fueled by rising consumer engagement, health prof…
Investing in a methane digester with Jeremy Moyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:26
Fifth-generation dairy farmer from Amelia Court House, Virginia, Jeremy Moyer joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. Learn about Oakmulgee Dairy Farm, a new robotic milking facility, t…