Episode 31 - Baler Twine and Bankruptcy: A Conversation with Theresia Gillie
In this episode, Bridget and Lauren sit down with Theresia Gillie, a wheat and soybean farmer from northwestern Minnesota, past president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and county commissioner. Theresia shares her family's near-bankruptcy, the 2017 financial collapse that led to an equipment auction, and her husband Keith's death by suicide that same weekend. She talks openly about grief, community support, and what she's learned about protecting yourself as a farm partner.
In this episode:
- Marrying into farming and becoming a full financial partner
- Choosing to pay off every creditor instead of filing bankruptcy
- The 2017 cash crisis and losing half a million dollars in equity
- Keith's death by suicide and the days that followed
- How neighbors quietly stepped in to keep the farm running
- Reframing "signs" as risk factors you can prepare for
- What every farm spouse or partner should know about the finances and legal structure
- Discovering the identity crisis hidden inside a farm crisis
- The baler twine story that ties it all together
Content note: This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Connect with Theresia:
Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter) — #WomenInAgriculture
Links and Resources:
http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell
Twitter -https://x.com/theruralwell
TikTok -https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell
Email: info [at] theruralwell.com
