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'Underdog' documentary highlights mental health challenges of farming

The documentary “Underdog” tells the story of Addison County dairy farmer Doug Butler, now deceased, as he tried to keep his farm financially afloat and follow his dream of racing sled dogs in Alaska. The film is touring the state and will soon be available for digital streaming.

The film thoughtfully considers the anxiety and depression that many farmers like Butler experience.

Our guests:

  • Tommy Hyde, filmmaker and founder and director of Nice Marmot Films
  • Leanne Porter, manager of Farm First, a Vermont program that helps farmers and their families find resources and access mental health services

Vermont Public partnered with the filmmakers on the tour.

Broadcast live on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Mikaela Lefrak is the host and senior producer of Vermont Edition. Her stories have aired nationally on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Marketplace, The World and Here & Now. A seasoned local reporter, Mikaela has won two regional Edward R. Murrow awards and a Public Media Journalists Association award for her work.
Tedra joined Vermont Public as a producer for Vermont Edition in January 2022 and now serves as the Managing Editor and Senior Producer. Before moving to Vermont, she was a journalist in New York City for 20 years. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University.