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Jesse and Dr. Leah share updates from their farm life, discussing their new high tunnel greenhouse project and the seasonal transition from planting to summer maintenance. They explore the physical and mental health benefits of growing your own food, getting your hands in the dirt, and connecting with the natural world.

• Installation of a 3,100 square foot high tunnel greenhouse after receiving an NRCS grant
• Extensive companion planting with herbs and vegetables to enhance flavor and deter pests
• Growing tomatoes, peppers, berries, green beans, and many other crops for self-sufficiency
• Completion of field crop planting season with successful soybean establishment
• Experimenting with electroculture using copper wires to harness atmospheric energy for plants
• Discussion of the Mitochondriac Manifesto and the importance of connecting with the earth
• Benefits of grounding (walking barefoot) for releasing negative energy from the body
• Using plant trimmings to create natural foliar feeding solutions
• Summer plans for hay making, county fairs, and preserving the garden harvest
• Upcoming wellness trip to Okoboji Wellness Clinic

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Farm life means constantly juggling seasonal pressures with family needs while battling self-imposed time constraints. Jesse and Dr. Leah explore the mental and physical toll of the farming mindset that everything must be done immediately and perfectly.

• Spring brings overwhelming task lists: side dressing corn, spraying, preparation for hay season, and equipment maintenance
• The self-imposed pressure creates physical symptoms like back pain and sleep disruption
• Farmers struggle with delegation because they want everything done their specific way
• Effective communication requires explaining not just what to do but why it matters
• Farm kids experience both the rewards and stresses of agriculture intensely
• The pressure to continue multi-generational farm legacies creates significant mental burdens
• Farmers consistently undervalue their own time and expertise compared to other professionals
• Children are statistically likely to leave farming if they only see stress and constant work
• Taking time for family and personal wellness must become a priority
• "The work will always be there, but your kids may not"

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and today we discuss practical strategies for farmers, ranchers, and anyone who's been running on empty during busy seasons. We share our personal experiences with burnout and stress while offering seven simple, research-backed steps to improve mental wellness.

• Morning sunlight exposure within the first hour of waking resets circadian rhythms and boosts mood
• Naming your stresses through journaling, prayer, or conversation decreases their power over you
• Human connection is essential medicine—reach out to friends or family regularly to combat isolation
• Movement and physical activity improve mental health even if it's just getting out of the tractor to stretch
• Real food from the farm (protein, vegetables, fruits) stabilizes energy levels better than processed convenience foods
• Intentional breathing practices like box breathing (4-second inhale, hold, exhale, hold) reduce stress instantly
• Focusing on purpose and practicing gratitude helps maintain perspective during challenging times

Share this episode with five friends who might benefit from these mental health strategies. If there's something you'd love for us to talk about on the podcast, reach out anytime at farmersgreatesasset@gmail.com.

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