Josh Steiner, a dairy farmer in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a strong advocate for open communication in rural communities, especially concerning mental health. This conviction stems from his own profound personal tragedy: the loss of a child due to a rare pregnancy complication. During that difficult time, Steiner admits he “put that mental fence up,” isolating himself. He has since learned the vital importance of “letting people in” and sharing experiences to avoid becoming “ornery” and to foster community well-being.
Steiner is now actively working to revive “old-school farmer communication,” reminiscent of a time when neighbors would readily stop to chat and offer support. He emphasizes the need for proactive outreach, noting that delaying a check-in could mean missing a crucial opportunity, as evidenced by a neighbor’s battle with cancer. Beyond face-to-face interactions, Steiner also uses social media platforms like TikTok to share authentic glimpses of farm life, promoting positivity and showing other farmers they aren’t alone in their struggles. He stresses that while digital connections are valuable, they can’t fully replace the power of in-person conversations and genuine presence. Steiner also highlights the importance of “de-stressetizing” — finding healthy outlets for stress, often through communication and connection with others, and offering support to those who might be hesitant to accept it.
