Resources available to farmers

By Nathan Winter
Extension Educator – Agricultural Productions Systems
McLeod and Meeker counties
Recent price swings in the dairy, pork, and crop industries have caused financial stress on many farm families across Minnesota as well as the United States. Most of these changes in the agricultural economy are due to unforeseen changes in commodity prices and consumer scares that have affected the meat industry. Added on to those stresses is the slow harvest progress due to wetter than normal weather conditions experienced in October.

There is hope that the agricultural economy will improve in the near future. There is also some limited government interaction that could possibly help lessen the impact on producers. Regardless, there are producers that have been impacted or are currently being impacted. More than likely these impacts are going to have longer affects even after the agricultural economy improves.

For farmers that are in need of help there are some resources available. These resources are mostly organizations with professionals that assist farmers when the need arises. Often some of the organizations also can be helpful to help strengthen the financial position of the farm family through the situation.

One of the most important factors to getting through tough situations is communication. Communication is vital for families to discuss the current situation and to make decisions together that impact the family. If communication is not happening at the family level it may very well be necessary to seek out professional help or to reach out to trusted individuals.

Stress Management
University of Minnesota Extension has a web-based educational series available for families dealing with stress found under: www.extension.umn.edu/Family/. The presentations can be found under families in tough times.

“The Crisis Connection is a nonprofit agency that provides 24-hour crisis counseling by telephone. Anyone can call from throughout Minnesota to receive support at any time.” The Minnesota Crisis Line can be reached at (612) 379-6363, toll free at (866) 379-6363, or visit the Web site: www.crisis.org.

Financial Management
University of Minnesota Extension runs the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program. “Mediation is the use of a trained neutral facilitator to assist in the negotiations of parties in a dispute. Mediation is an informal and confidential process that generally requires less cost and time than adversarial court litigation”. For further information on the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program call (218) 935-5785 or visit the Web site: www.extension.umn.edu/community/Mediation/.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) runs the Minnesota Farm Advocates Program. “Farm Advocates provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems. They are trained and experienced in agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, disaster programs and to recognize the need for legal and/or social services.” For further information on finding Minnesota Farm Advocates contact the MDA Hotline at (800) 967-2474 or visit their Web site for contacts: www.mda.state.mn.us/about/farmadvocates.htm

“Farm Business Management Programs are designed to provide education to farm owners and operators or persons interested in farming. The purpose of the program is to assist students in meeting their business and personal goals. This is best accomplished through the use of quality records and sound business decisions. Effective financial management in the business is the best way for the business to maintain that competitive edge. Farm Business Management Education Programs in Minnesota are available through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU).” For further information on Farm Business Management Programs call (651) 297-1484, or visit the Web site for instructors: www.mgt.org/index.htm.

“The Minnesota Dairy Initiatives Program (MDI) is a producer-led initiative to coordinate a comprehensive approach to the delivery of on-farm services to Minnesota's dairy producers. The MDI Regional Teams locally manage and coordinate the delivery of on-farm advisory services using the skills and experience of team members with expertise in a variety of areas to help dairy farmers.” For further information on MDI call (877) 577-0741.

Resources and Sources for Further Information
University of Minnesota Extension has a toll-free line available called the Farm Information Line. “When you call the Farm Information Line, you'll get reliable, research-based answers from Extension agriculture experts. It's a statewide service backed by a network of local educators, so you'll get information to meet your specific needs.” To contact the Farm Information Line call (800) 232-9077, or e-mail fil@umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Extension also has trained professionals throughout Minnesota that can be helpful with current research, questions, and programs related to agriculture, community, the environment, family, garden, and youth. For further information on the University of Minnesota Extension visit the Web site: www.extension.umn.edu/ or to find educators in your area: www.extension.umn.edu/offices/.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently working on the Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN). “MFAN is a network of many organizations that are working together to provide resources to help farm families facing financial hardship. Business and financial advice will be provided by certified volunteer financial analysts, farm business management instructors, and extension educators. MFAN will also provide referrals for legal advice and mental health counseling.” For further information on the MFAN Program contact 800-967-2474 or visit their website: www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mfan.htm