By Ed Staehr, NY FarmNet Communications Director
Twenty years ago, farming in New York state was in crisis. Escalating interest rates and declining farmland prices resulted in severe stress in the farming community. Lenders foreclosed on numerous farms, and farmer suicides were not uncommon.
NY FarmNet was established in response to these uncertain agricultural economic conditions as a toll-free helpline to link farm families who were experiencing either personal or financial stress with free, confidential consulting. Since 1986 they’ve responded to over 31,000 requests for assistance.
Service to FarmNet Recognized at Banquet
- Consultants recognized for five years of service included: John Adams, George Conneman, Peter Robbins, Cliff Rode, and Stuart Smith.
- Special consultant recognition was presented to financial consultant Rus Hodnett for 20 years of service. Hodnett helped over 500 farm families during his tenure and went on to say, “It [being a financial consultant] has been terribly rewarding.” NY FarmNet receives more calls today than in the height of the farm crisis, prompting Hodnett’s remark, “The job is not done. Let’s continue to remember what our purpose is.”
At their 20th anniversary banquet, CALS Dean Emeritus David Call remembered that the news of a farmer suicide in St. Lawrence County hit him “right between the eyes.” He took swift action, forming a task force to evaluate options for helping farm families in the time of economic crisis. Just six weeks later, the NY FarmNet program was established at Cornell.
A great deal of NY FarmNet’s success is built upon a cadre of dedicated and well trained financial and personal/family consultants located throughout the state. Many consultants have been with the program for numerous years and have helped a significant number of farm families through challenging times of change.
The foundation of the program is built on the qualifications and experience of the 41 consultants. Approximately half are personal consultants who help with key family issues such as communication and stress. Our personal consultants possess master's degrees in social work and have decades of experience working with family issues.
We also have financial consultants who have at least a bachelor’s degree and have retired from farming, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Farm Service Agency, or commercial lending.
During the banquet, Program Director Steve Richards reported on program impact during 2004. Last year, the FarmLink program developed 26 new farm partnerships; assisted 28 farms in creating business plans; and facilitated 12 farm transfers. Fifty farms reduced business risks by developing risk management plans. These comprehensive program efforts resulted in at least 24 new jobs and over $1 million in additional annual economic activity.
FarmNet also conducts numerous presentations and workshops. Program outreach efforts last year reached 3,670 people in program year 2004. NY FarmLink held 49 workshops on topics such as farm transfer, estate planning, crop insurance, and business planning. Over 500 farm families in every region of the state participated in NY FarmLink programs. FarmNet staff presented at more than 30 educational workshops with over 700 participants. Workshop topics included stress management, communication skills, decision making, farmer to farmer learning, and financial strain.
New Documentary Highlights First Twenty Years of FarmNet
Making the FarmNet documentary.
Be among the first viewers to hear the stories of three farm families who overcame significant challenges with the help of NY FarmNet. This documentary celebrates the 20th anniversary of NY FarmNet and provides an account of how an effective program to help farm families was initiated.
Please plan on attending a premiere screening to be held on Thursday, March 16 in the David L. Call Auditorium at Kennedy Hall. Program begins at 2 p.m.
RSVP Racheal Bothwell at rap29@cornell.edu or call 607-255-2924.