Fabulous Farm Babe: Dairy Month Fun and Farmers’ Mental Health

She’s been known for years as the “Fabulous Farm Babe.” Longtime broadcaster Pam Jahnke is also a host of the Midwest Farm Report, which makes June Dairy Month one of her busiest times of the year! She recently joined Maino and the Mayor to talk about everything from dairy month fun to farmers’ struggling with mental health issues. 

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Listen to the complete conversation here:

Jahnke considers the traditional dairy breakfasts and farm tours across the state during June as great ways for the public to experience modern agriculture firsthand. Find a list of events here.

“We average about 16 dairy events every Saturday and Sunday during June. And I always tell people, if you go, go where the cows are,” she says. “There’s incredible technology at work to keep these animals cool and comfortable, especially during extreme heat like we’re expecting.”

And while crowds enjoy the pancakes and fresh cheese curds, farmers are also keeping a close eye on weather conditions that have a direct impact on their livelihood. 

“We could use some more growing degree days. Heat is good in moderation, but when you get into the 90s with high humidity, the corn actually starts to shut down in an effort to conserve moisture,” Jahnke explains, debunking common myths about crop growth.

Farmers also worry about the risks of sudden frosts during the growing season. Jahnke recalls one year when a Father’s Day frost damaged young corn plants.

“We were advised to go out with flail choppers and take off the dead tissue, which sounds crazy. But because the growing point was still underground, the plants recovered,” she says. “Farming in Northeast Wisconsin means dealing with some strange weather.”

The conversation turns serious when addressing mental health across the agriculture industry. Jahnke paints a stark picture of how farm families have changed. There are fewer multi-generational operations, kids with outside interests, spouses working off the farm for income or health insurance, and increasingly isolated farmers spending long days alone. 

“A lot of times, it’s just the farmer, his dog, and whoever pulls into the driveway,” she shares. “During the pandemic, when even casual interactions at feed mills, churches, or school events disappeared, it really amplified the sense of isolation.”

The pandemic also exposed just how vulnerable the food supply chain – and the farmers behind it – can be. Processors weren’t able to take milk or meat, and some farmers were left to dump their product with no immediate solution. 

“We didn’t know if grocery shelves would be full. It was terrifying for everyone, but especially for farmers,” Jahnke explains.

June Dairy Month is meant to shine a light on Wisconsin’s proud farming heritage. It also serves as a reminder about the complex pressures farmers face year-round – from extreme weather to emotional strain, the conversation around agriculture needs to include both celebration and support.

“We need to keep talking about it,” Jahnke says. “Mental health services are more important now than ever.”

Jahnke’s farm reports air on a number of local Civic Media radio stations around the state. Find yours here.