[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 Liz Hulsizer from West Central Illinois. Liz grew up on her family’s century farm where she was active with daily farm activities, 4-H, FFA, and a variety of school activities. She always knew a career in agriculture was right for her, so she attended the University of Illinois where she studied Agriculture Business Management and a minor in Crop Sciences. While still early in her career she’s already had experiences with some of the industry’s top companies including Nutrien, Pioneer, ADM, and currently at a locally owned agriculture centered bank.

Today, in addition to her role as a Trust Officer she continues her active role on her family’s farm that she operates with her husband Matthew (Matt), her mom Sally, and her brother Andrew and his family. As her nephew puts it, “She’s the best combine operator in the family.” And while Liz has certainly experienced the joys of farming, she’s also experienced the deep pain that can come with it. Early in her married life to Matt, her father-in-law, David, took his life. At that time, she and Matt quickly became the chief operators, dealing with not only crops, but also hogs and cattle– they’d been married a mere 13 months and weren’t even 25.

Liz Hulsizer | BIO

Elizabeth (Liz) Hulsizer of West Central Illinois is no stranger to hard work, adversity, and knowing when to have hard conversations. She grew up on her family’s century farm where she was active with daily farm activities, 4-H, FFA, and a variety of school activities. She always knew a career in agriculture was right for her, so she attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied Agriculture Business Management and a minor in Crop Sciences. While still early in her career she’s already had experiences with some of the industry’s top companies including Nutrien, Pioneer, ADM, and currently at a locally owned agriculture centered bank. She’s put her knowledge of agriculture and the needs of rural-based community members to work in her current role as Trust Officer at the bank. In this role, her focus on hard work has continued as she quickly achieved the status of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor and graduated in the top 10% of national graduates at the Canon Financial Institute Trust School. 

Today, in addition to her role as a Trust Officer she continues her active role on her family’s farm that she operates with her husband Matthew (Matt), her mom Sally, and her brother Andrew and his family. As her nephew puts it, “She’s the best combine operator in the family.” And while Liz has certainly experienced the joys of farming, she’s also experienced the deep pain that can come with it. Early in her married life to Matt, her father-in-law took his life. At that time, she and Matt quickly became the chief operators, dealing with not only crops, but also hogs and cattle– they’d been married a mere 13 months and weren’t even 25. The weight was heavy and the emotions were raw and that’s where Liz’s ability to have tough conversations certainly became a critical tool to survive and ultimately allow, she and Matt the chance to come out of a tragedy and hardship to thrive. Liz is working to help end the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide by sharing her first hand experience with others about how suicide affects them. She’s also provides insight into how others can help their families or neighbors dealing with mental illness related to tough agricultural conditions. Liz and Matt have given first hand accounts to rooms of farmers, with the hope that those in the agriculture industry will learn through their story to not only identify the signs of mental health but also equip them the words and actions that those who have been affected by suicide need the most.

Mental Health Resources

Provincial Mental Health Helplines | Ontario |  Alberta | British Columbia | Saskatchewan | Manitoba | Yukon | Northwest Territories | Quebec | Newfoundland | New Brunswick | PEI | Nunavut | Nova Scotia

Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention | Do More Ag | FCC Wellness | Canadian Mental Health Services | Digital Resources for Mental Health | Mental Health First Aid | QPR Training | The Trevor Project | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Psychology Today | Ag State of Mind | TransFARMation