Lori Mercer is a hotline operator with Farm Aid. After a three-decade career in private practice audiology, the urgency of climate change prompted a need to change vocations to participate more directly in contributing to a solution. She returned to graduate school via Washington State University and emerged in 2019 with an MS in Agriculture with a focus in food systems and agroecology. Directly supporting farmers and ranchers, especially in this era of upheaval, is an honor and responsibility she embraces.