The Rural View

In this episode, Brandon Boyd from UW-Madison shares with Amy and Jim his journey from a Wisconsin family farm to studying agronomy and agricultural business management. Through his deep involvement with Collegiate Farm Bureau, he's been exposed to a wealth of opportunities to network with agriculture industry professionals and other students who speak his language. Brandon is the Vice President of the UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau and will be the next President. He's excited to continue growing membership and exposing students and community members to agriculture by answering their questions and teaching them about the many facets of ag. Brandon discusses his many college involvements and experiences, and future plans to work in agronomy and eventually take over the family farm.Learn more about the Leadership Institute here, and consider applying!

Join Amy and Jim as they chat with Jim Hebbe and he shares his extensive experience in sustainable farming, conservation practices, and community involvement in Green Lake County. Discover practical insights on no-till farming, water quality protection, and the importance of farmer-community partnerships.

In this episode, Erin Herbold-Swalwell shares expert insights on farm succession planning, addressing emotional hurdles, legal considerations, and practical steps to ensure a smooth transition of family farms to the next generation.Erin encourages families not to wait until it's too late and begin planning for the future of the farm right away.

In this episode, Karen Endres from the Wisconsin Farm Center under DATCP joins hosts Amy Eckelberg and Bob Meyer, as they discuss the critical importance of mental health and community support for farmers.She shares her background and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, including isolation, financial pressures, and the need for connection. The discussion emphasizes the role of observation in recognizing mental health flags, the complexities of managing farms with family, and the significance of telehealth in providing accessible mental health resources no matter where you're located.Karen highlights the collaborative efforts of various organizations, including Wisconsin Farm Bureau, to support farmers and the importance of fostering hope and resilience within the agricultural community.This episode of The Rural View is dedicated to co-host, Bob Meyer, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2026. We miss him and his story sharing abilities immensely. This is the final episode we have with Bob.

This episode of The Rural View dives into the challenges and experiences of young farmers, emphasizing the importance of community, succession planning, and mental health, and how Farm Bureau is a worthy resource. Kendall shares about her involvement in Farm Bureau through the Young Farmer and Agriculturalist program, and how she's been able to build her network and support system through the organization. This discussion highlights the realities of farming today, including financial barriers and the difficulties in planning for the future longevity of the farm. Kendall talks about what kinds of things are often important for a young farmer to stay on the farm or return to the farm to take it over. Kendall is grateful for her years of involvement in the YFA program through Farm Bureau and encourages other young farmers and agriculturalists to be present and be involved. Your involvement just may land some lifelong friendships (or a spouse!).

In this conversation, Jason Mugnaini, Executive Director of Government Relations at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, discusses the critical role of grassroots advocacy in agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of farmer engagement in the political process, the current challenges facing the agricultural sector, and the need for proactive involvement at the local level. Jason highlights the significance of understanding legislative processes and the impact of political decisions on farming communities. He encourages farmers to be active participants in advocacy efforts to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are represented.The Wisconsin Farm Bureau operates on a member-driven policy resolution process, which means we are truly a grassroots organization. Farmers represent only 2% of the population, making their advocacy even more critical.

In this conversation, Amy and Bob talk with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President, Brad Olson, They discuss Brad's journey into agriculture, the challenges facing farmers today, the importance of mental health support in the farming community, and the role of Farm Bureau in advocating for local agriculture.Brad emphasizes the need for community support, the diversity of agricultural practices in Wisconsin, and the future challenges the industry faces, including educating the public about agriculture's importance.The conversation highlights the resilience and dedication of farmers and the significance of grassroots organizations - like Farm Bureau - in supporting them.