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!