Links: Challenging Times
How to refer someone to NY FarmNet
- When you notice a farmer needs help, verbalize it.
- "It seems pretty stressful here right now."
- "It sounds like you have a lot of decisions to make."
- "If I were in your shoes, I’d be really stressed ."
- Listen and acknowledge what the farmer is saying.
- Introduce NY FarmNet as a free and confidential source of information, referral and consulting.
- Share personal experience about NY FarmNet, your recommendation means a lot to the farmer.
- Leave NY FarmNet information or materials with farmer, and encourage farmer to call.
- If a farmer has not called NY FarmNet and you are still concerned for them, call to discuss your options.
Inform the farmer to be prepared to:
- Provide name, phone and address
- Briefly discuss their current situation
When to refer a farmer to NY FarmNet
When They:
- Have questions about business.
- Are struggling to pay bills or be profitable.
- Wonder about expanding their business.
- Are considering reorganizing.
- Are wanting to enter or exit farming.
- Need to make a major decision.
- Are planning for retirement.
- Have suffered business/home damage to fire or storm.
- Mention family or marital conflict.
- Are having problems with non-farm neighbors.
- Believe improvement is impossible.
- Have health concerns.
- Feel the wear and tear of stress.
- Don’t know where to go for help.
When You:
- Notice change in farmer’s appearance or mood.
- Think outside assistance would be helpful.
- Feel uncomfortable with the current situation.
- Don’t know who can help.
- Feel overwhelmed or hopeless about their situation.
If you’re unsure, then refer!
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