Stress management and setting rural youth up for success with Michele Payn

Stress management and setting rural youth up for success with Michele Payn

Author: Progressive Dairy editors September 23, 2025 Duration: 42:00

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

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

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