Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Agricultural Climate with Colleen Stegenga
Release Date: 02/18/2026
Farm Succession Across the Globe: What Farmers Are Facing Right Now
Impact Farming
Farm Succession Across the Globe: What’s at Stake for the Next Generation of Agriculture #farming #agriculture #farmsuccessionplanning #farmlife Farm succession is one of the most important and most complex conversations happening in agriculture today. Across the globe, farm families are facing a massive transition as trillions of dollars in agricultural assets prepare to change hands in the coming decades. In this special international panel episode of The Impact Farming Show, host Tracy Brunet brings together succession experts from Canada, the United States, and Ireland to discuss...
info_outline
From Seed to Success: Helping Prairie Farmers Make Smart Seed Choices | FP Genetics
Impact Farming
In this Product Spotlight episode of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Courtney Ross of FP Genetics to explore how strong relationships, deep industry experience, and innovative seed genetics are helping Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan farmers navigate today’s challenges. Courtney shares her journey across multiple areas of agriculture, including the farm, retail, finance, and extension. She explains how this well-rounded perspective allows her to better support growers and their trusted advisors with practical, informed recommendations. The conversation also highlights some of the...
info_outline
Canadian Dairy XPO 2026: Inside Canada’s Premier Dairy Event
Impact Farming
In this Event Spotlight episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Jordan Underhill, Director of Exhibitions for DLG North America, to talk all things Canadian Dairy XPO 2026. Taking place April 1–2, 2026 in Stratford, this premier dairy-only event brings together producers, industry leaders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond for two high-impact days of learning, networking, and discovery. Jordan shares the story behind the Canadian Dairy XPO, including when it first launched and the mission driving its continued growth as a world-class dairy event. Designed to...
info_outline
Why Mental Health Conversations Matter More Than Ever in Agriculture | Merle Massie, The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Impact Farming
Mental health in agriculture is a conversation that continues to grow in importance and urgency. In this powerful and honest episode, Tracy sits down with Merle Massie, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, to explore the real pressures farmers face today and why mental health support in agriculture is more critical than ever. From personal stories to practical resources, this conversation goes beyond the surface to shed light on the realities many in the industry quietly carry. In This Episode, We Cover: • Merle’s role at Do More Ag and the organization’s mission to...
info_outline
Sauerkraut Anyone? The Surging Popularity of Fermented Foods
Impact Farming
In this episode, Tracy sits down with Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Food Holdings, to explore the sauerkraut and fermented food boom that’s reshaping the future of farming, food, and consumer demand. From ancient preservation methods to modern probiotic powerhouses, fermented foods are having a major moment. Jorge shares how his company connects farmers to consumers, the market forces driving this growth, and what makes fermentation a sustainable and profitable opportunity for agriculture. Episode Highlights - Meet Jorge & Fermented Food Holdings Jorge shares his...
info_outline
Banking Secrets Every Farmer Should Know with Garrett Ruskamp of Pioneer Farmer
Impact Farming
Farm financial stress is rising as lending conditions tighten, interest rates remain volatile, and economic uncertainty continues to impact agriculture. For many farmers, navigating conversations with lenders can feel overwhelming — but understanding how the banking system works can shift fear into confidence and preparation. In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Garrett Ruskamp, Founder & CEO of Pioneer Farmer, entrepreneur, farm business coach, and podcast host, to unpack the banking secrets every farmer should know. Garrett shares his personal journey into...
info_outline
Seed Strategy: The Foundation of Farm Profitability |.FP Genetics
Impact Farming
In this Product Spotlight episode of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Everett Boots, Western Product Specialist at FP Genetics, to explore the power of seed genetics, farmer relationships, and the future of Canadian agriculture. Everett shares his personal journey into agriculture, his time working at the Crop Development Centre, and what inspired his transition into his current role with FP Genetics. From product knowledge to on-farm trust, this conversation dives into what it really takes to support producers in today’s evolving farming landscape. We discuss the key challenges...
info_outline
Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Agricultural Climate with Colleen Stegenga
Impact Farming
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...
info_outline
Empire Ag: Navigating Farm Business, Commodity Cycles & Succession with Jonathon Haralson
Impact Farming
Farm businesses today are navigating increasing complexity — volatile commodity markets, rising input costs, succession pressures, and the need to think more strategically than ever before. In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Jonathon Haralson, rancher, farmer, and Founder of Empire Ag, to explore the realities producers are facing and the opportunities that still exist in modern agriculture. Jonathon shares his personal journey growing up during the farm crisis of the 1980s, how those experiences shaped his outlook on risk and business management, and the path that...
info_outline
Hybrid Rye Insights: Feeding Value & Forage Tips | KWS Seeds
Impact Farming
In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Laura Eastwood shares her expertise on KWS hybrid rye, drawing from extensive 2025 research across Canada. Farmers and nutritionists will get practical insights on feeding value, forage management, and how to integrate KWS hybrid rye effectively into livestock diets. Key Highlights: • 2025 KWS Hybrid Rye Research Takeaways: Laura breaks down the latest data on KWS hybrid rye performance across Canada, including on-farm results and feeding value. • Ergot Alkaloids vs. Percentage by Weight: Learn how to interpret test results for animal safety and...
info_outlineAgriculture 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
=================================
🔎 Related Phrases:
Impact Farming Show, Agriculture Podcast, Tracy Brunet, Colleen Stegenga, Mental Health in Agriculture, Mental health in farmers, farmer mental health, Farm Business, Farm Finance, Farm Management, Sustainable Farming, Farming Tips, Farm Business Management, Farming Success, Agricultural Finance, Farming Innovations, Farm Financial Solutions, Farm Transition Planning, Farm Succession Planning, Farm Founders, Farm Successors, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farming, Farmers
#Mentalhealth #FarmBusiness #FarmFinance #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming #TransitionPlanning #SuccessionPlanning #FarmingTips #FarmBusinessManagement #FarmingSuccess #Agriculture #Farming #Farmer #Ranchers #Agribusiness #WealthManagementForFarmers #FarmFundingSolutions #AgriculturalFinance #FarmingInnovations #FarmFinancialSolutions #FarmTransitionPlanning #FarmSuccessionPlanning #FarmFounders #FarmSuccessors #familyfarm #farmstories #familyfarming #familyfarms #familyfarmadventure #familyfarmers #agloans #agriculturelife #agricultureworldwide #agriculturemachinery #agriculturejobs #farminglife #organicfarming
⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research.
Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided.
© The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer