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Food, farming, and mental wellness: let's talk
Food connects us all—but too often, the conversations around it are filled with confusion, fear, and misinformation. At the same time, those who grow, produce, and advocate for food face intense pressure, stress, and uncertainty. That’s where Michele Payn comes in. She helps farmers, scientists, and food professionals make sense of complex issues—whether it’s translating science for the public, building trust in agriculture, or managing the mental load of working in this business. Michele inspires real conversations, provides practical tools, and helps people navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and resilience. Are you ready to create meaningful change together?
Michele hit a home run with her “Take Food Bullying by the Horns.” presentation. She thoroughly engaged the audience with a thought provoking discussion that helped make the connection between science and human emotions when it comes tackling some of the thorny issues facing agriculture. She provided a number of tips for engaging the public on controversial misconceptions about food and agriculture. If you are looking for dynamic, thought-provoking speaker, you need look no further..”
— Gene McAvoy, President, National Association of County Agricultural Agents
Kentucky Agriculture was in need of a roadmap to the future... Michele Payn helped provide that for us. Working with the Kentucky Agriculture Council, she engaged over 300+ agricultural leaders from all across the state and coordinated working groups of leaders to surface nine themes, followed by 37 tactics, to provide us a roadmap to the future. Throughout the process, Michele kept the masses engaged and merged all the lanes into an outcome document to serve as a guiding map . Besides her knowledge and experience, she brings a dynamic ability to make everyone feel important and have their input included.
- Dr. Tony Brannon, Kentucky Agriculture Council
Resources
Tips to engage in a smarter conversation. Tools to address mental health issues in agriculture. Ideas from ag, farm & ranch bloggers across the world.
Information on tough issues like antibiotics, food safey, animal welfare, and GMOs. Perspective from dietitians, farmers, and scientists. Connections.
Communication skills. Ideas to rebuild trust in science through human connections. Tools to identify and discern solid science.
