[TW/CW: MH, MI] This episode of The Rural Woman Podcast contains discussion of mental health, mental illness, discussion of suicide. These themes may be upsetting to some listeners. If you or a loved one find yourself needing emotional support or are in crisis please note the following resources:

Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or send a text to 45645

US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

USA & Canada Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

On this week’s episode of The Rural Woman Podcast, you’ll meet Kate Niemeier. Kate grew up on her family's hog farm in Butler, Illinois. She was involved in 4H and FFA as well as helped out on her grandparents grain and cattle operation. Growing up, Kate always knew she had a passion for teaching on top of agriculture so it was a no brainer for Kate to get her Bachelors in Ag Education from Western Illinois University in 2010. Since then Kate has worked as a Farm Bureau Manager for the state of Illinois and spent 8 years in the classroom as an Ag teacher.

Today, Kate shares with us the story of her brother Andrew and how he lost his life to suicide in 2014. Kate hopes that by sharing her story she is able to help others who have experienced a similar loss and to help prevent another suicide death.

For show notes including links mentioned in today's show, head on over to WildRoseFarmer.com