Small farm digest

10 Pages·2000·0.77 MB·English

by  United States. Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

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VOLUME4, NO. 1-FALL2000
Managing Farm Stress
During Crisis Times
e areone ofthousands of
familyfarmersacross the
nation who have chosen an
agricultural wayoflifeand done every-
thing right,yetare facinga hugefinancial
and emotional dilemma."says NewYork
farmerChalene Fleming.
“Oureveryfinancial resource has
been tapped,cash flow is poor,and my
husband and arescreamingateach
I
other ourfrustrationsand anxieties, AfterdairyfarmersSarahJaneandPaul Vitale(leftandcenter), Auburn, NY, losttheirbarn toa
whileventingour concernsabout the fire in 1998, theyturnedto RussellHodnett(right), a financialconsultantwith CornellUniversity's
present and future. NYFarmNetOutreach Program, foradviceonrebuilding. The Vitalesdecidedonanewlabor-
“Farmers must rise to nature'sdaily efficientflatbarnparlordesignafterHodnettworkedup theirfinancialpictureanda cash flow
challenges, taking in stride floods,fires, —
plan. PhotobyDonaldR. Hodnett.
droughts,and climactic changes,
demandsofjugglingfamilyand farm, stressful eventscan lead to physical or year to harvest in statesaffected bycitrus
marketshifts,and the pressures oflarge, mental health problems,substance freeze ordrought,theyfound no crop to
corporatesupplierswho can produce it abuse,and interpersonal strain. harvest. Therewas nowork,wages,or
‘fasterand cheaper.' It'sa dailystruggle Farmstress. Farm familystress is housing. Workerstresswas high as they
to tryto stayon the cuttingedge ofwhat unique because it is due, in large part, to became stranded far from home, return-
is new, has changed,and is coming. forces no one has control over- like ingwithout pay. Workers may hesitate to
“We are resourceful peoplewho are weather orshifting markets. Yetfarmers travel again unless they knowthat work
proud ofwhatwe do, butwe're asking and ranchers tend to blame themselves exists. Iffarmers lose this traditional labor
these days,‘Where dowego from here?’, when theircrops fail or their livestock is force, itwill strain the largeragricultural
‘Who can help us?’,and Howdowe sur- wiped out. Stressalso makes farmers system.
vive in the interim?" more accident-prone. Recognizingstress. Peoplewhowork
The currentfarm crisis has made When thingsgowell,a farmerfeels with farmers -such as extension special-
farminga hard,stressful business in every that he orshe has been successful. ists,farm advocates, pastors,familydoc-
state. Yetfarmers continue towork hard When thingsgowrong, the losscan feel tors, bankers,veterinarians,agribusiness
while knowingtheycan do little against like a familydeath. people,and others- need to understand
the financial pressures caused byoutside Farmers and ranchers tend not to farmerstressors.
forces. Manyare delaying purchases, complain about bad things that happen
leaving bills unpaid,and even losing their to them. They believe in beingstrong, Accordingtoextension researchers,the
farms through no faultoftheirown. independent,stoic,and moral - and in top30farmer-related stressorsare:
Stressdefined. Stress is physical or handling problems themselves. Death offamily memberorfarm worker
emotional tension. It'sa reaction tositu- Within farm culture, there is Foreclosure notice
ations orcircumstances thatseem unfa- reluctance to air problemsoutside the Mounting bills, lowcash flow,
miliar,threatening,or harmful. familyor to seek professional help for middleman profits
Major lifeeventsor manysmall daily mental health problems. While farm Divorce or marital separation
hassles can triggerstress. Everyone families can often bounce backfrom Major illness oraccident, insufficient
responds differently to it. A moderate moststresses,extraordinarysituations insurance
amount ofstress can prompt needed may require outside help. Care ofelderorotherspecial-needs
action. However,severe or prolonged When migrantworkers traveled last family member
Holding down both off-farmjoband appetite problems;chronic fatigue:fre-
SmallFarmDigestispublishedthreetimesayearbythe
on-farm responsibilities quentsickness: poorconcentration; heart CooperativeStateResearch,Education,andExtensionSer-
9 Bad weatheror natural disaster disease: ulcers;cancer:gastrointestinal or vWiacseh,iUnngittoend,SDtaCte2s02D50e-p2a2r2t0m.entofAgriculture (USDA),
Lowcommodity pricesand shifts in bladder problems; immunesystem disor-
TheSecretaryofAgriculturehasdeterminedthatthis
world supplyand demand ders;obesity; hair loss: muscle twitches; periodicalisnecessaryinthetransactionofpublicbusiness
Lower than expected crop yieldsor or backaches. requiredbylaw.
livestock production Behavioralsignsofstressoverload. DanGlickman,Secretary
fl Closingor relocation ofkey rural Stressstrains relationships. Stress symp- U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
businesses toms include atypical, uncontrollable, I.MileyGonzalez,UnderSecretary
Research,Education,andEconomics
Daywhen nothinggoes right- and irrational behavior; irritability:vio-
machinery breakdown,croporanimal lence orabuse toward family members CharlesW.Laughlin,Administrator
CooperativeStateResearch,Education,andExtensionService
diseaseoutbreak oranimals: lossofinterestand withdraw-
Powershut-offorstrayvoltage al from familyorcommunityevents; SDtaevpehaMnciAellOilsstoenrSEtdaiftforW1r2i0t2e/r4/0E1di-t6o5r44()202/720-71851
problems repeated irrational or normal activityat ArabellaJuarezArtDirector(202/720-4338)
B
Death ofa valuableanimal irrational rate. Also, passiveaggressive- ReaderswishingtocontributeitemstoSmallFarmDigest
B Uncertain commodity pricesat time ness:self-destructive behavior;talkofsui- maysendtheirsubmissionstoStephanieOlson,Editor,Small
FarmDigest,CSREES,USDA,MailStop2220,1400Indepen-
ofsellingfarm-grown products cide;excessive drinking; being more denceAve.,S.W.,WashingtonDC20250-2220(orcall202/401-
B High costs ofland, machinery,fuel, emotional;difficultyconcentratingand 6o5t4h4e;rwfaixs:e2s0t2a/t4e0d1,-5i1n7f9o;rmea-tmiaoinl:[email protected])pu.blUincless
essential farm services,and other makingdecisions;accident proneness; propertyandmaybereprintedwithoutpermission.
inputs and feelingsofworthlessness, inadequa- Referencetoanycommercialproductorserviceismade
fl Long hours cy,or failure. withtheunderstandingthatnodiscriminationisintendedand
B Insufficient help,especiallyat planting FarmerSuicide. “Farmersuicide isan nimopleinedd.orsementbytheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureis
or harvestingtime international calamity, notjustan individ- SmallFarmDigestisavailableontheCSREEShomepage
B Changes in government lawsand ual problem,"says Kentuckyfilmmaker (http://www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm).
regulations resulting in farm-related JoeTerranceCrayin his compellingdoc- Subscriptions
expenses umentary,“Green Blood, Red Tears." SubscriptionstoSmallFarmDigestareavailabletothepub-
B Rejection offarm loan or inaccessible Grayinvestigated farmersuicide caus- lcihcaantgneoacnhaardgder.esTso,scuobnstcarcitbeS,mdailslcFonatrimnuPeroagsruabms,crPilpatnitona,ndor
loan programs esafter hisfarmer nephew,JamesGray A22n2i0m,al14S0y0sItnemdse,peUn.dS.enDceepaArvet.m,enS.tW.of,AWgarsihciulntgutroen,,MDaiCl2S0t2o5p0-
B Discrimination practiced byfarm Goodman, killed himselfin 1995,stun- 2220(telephone:[phone]or1-800/583-3071;fax:202/401-
5179).Foranaddresschange,pleaseincludeyourSmall
program officials ning his familyand community. “Farmer FarmDigestmailinglabel.
B Inabilityto afford needed new suicide spans mid-America and is often
SmallFarmDigestisprintedwithsoy-basedinkonpaper
technology misreported as hunting, traffic,orstalled containingaminimumof50percentwastepaper.SmallFarm
B Heirswho don’twant to run family truckon railroad accidents,"saysGray. Digestisrecyclable.
farm business(es) “Farmersare far more likelythan are CSREES,SmallFarmProgramStaff
DenisEbodagheNationalProgramLeader(202/401-4385or
fl Farm-related heatstress,chemical or otherworkers to commitsuicide,espe- [email protected])
dust toxicity,equipment noise, lifting ciallyin the Midwest. There is not Enrique“Nelson"EscobarNationalProgramLeader/IPA
(202/[email protected])
and repetitive motion strain enough talkabout farmersuicide." StephanieOlsonEditor,SmallFarmDigest(202/401-6544or
fl Depletion ofretirementsavings to Gray'sfilm aims to open up that [email protected])AutomationAssistant(202/401-4640or
sustain farm operation dialogue. [email protected])
B Nearing retirementage butcan't American and European scientists TheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureprohibitsdiscrimination
afford to stop farming offerconvincingevidence ofa link inallitsprogramsandactivitiesonthebasisofrace,color,
B Housingdevelopmentencroachment, between organophosphate exposure nsaetxiuoanlaloroireingtiant,iosne,x,arnedlimgaiorni,taalgeo,rfdiasmaibliylistyt,atpuosl.it(iNcaoltbaellliperfos,-
complaints aboutfarm odors amongfarmersand symptoms such as hdiisbaibtielditbiaessewshoapprleyqutioreallalptreorgnartaimvse.)mePaenrssofnosrwciotmhmunication
B Farm numbersdwindling in communi- depression and suicidal thoughts. ofprograminformation(Braille,largeprint,audiotape,etc.)
shouldcontactUSDA'sTARGETCenterat202/720-2600(voice
ty,farm families feeling isolated Most physiciansare not trained to andTDD).
BVandalism ofproperty identifytoxic chemical exposure symp-
B Outside population thatdoesn't toms in patients. When traditional anti- TOfoffiicleeoafcCoimvipllaRiignhttso,fRdiosocrmim3i2n6a-tWio,n,WhwirtitteenUBSuDiAld,inDgi,re1c4ttohr,and
understand farm culture depressant medication is prescribed for cIanldle2p0e2/n7d2e0n-c5e96A4v(evnouiec,eoSr.WT.D,D)W.asUhSinDgAtoisn,anDeCqu2a0l25o0p-p9o4r1t0unoirty
depression among poisoned patients, providerandemployer.
Physicalsignsofstressoverload. Sus- suicidal thoughts mayincrease. Gray's
tained stress, life crisis,exhaustion,and nephew reported headaches, numb CSREES Small Farm InfoLine
demoralization maycause physical hands,troubled sleep,and depression
symptoms like depression,anxiety,suici- afterusingchemicals in crop spraying. 1 -800/583-3071
dal thoughts; headaches;sleep or Dr. Lorann Stallones, Professor,
&M3MKSIHNH
Departmentof Environmental Health. SomeSignsa Farm FamilyNeeds Select Farmer Help Lines
Colorado State University, hasstudied Support:
farmersuicide rates in Kentuckyand Routine changes-social withdrawal National Suicide Hopeline Network -
Colorado. Increase in illnessoraccidents 1-800-SUICIDE(1-800-784-2433).
“Gray'sfilm introducjes research never Decline in personal,farm, home Connectsto staffskilled in helping
farmers and rancherswithin network of
linked together before,"shesays. “When appearance 100 crisis centers.
farmersexperiencedepressivesymptoms, Neglect orabuse ofchildren or National Domestic Violence Hotline -
it iscritical that theytell their physicians animals 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
thespecificchemicalstheyuse. Dramatic change in children’s National PesticideTelecommunication
“Physiciansworkingwith farmers behavior NetworkforConsumerand Medical Infor-
exposed to organophosphate chemicals Substanceabuse,spousal abuse, mation on Pesticides- 1-800-858-7378
Pesticide AccidentHotline (CHEMTREC)
should monitor these patientswhen verbal and physical abuse
(helpwith spills and leaks) - 1-800-424-
theyprescribestandard anti-depression
9300
medications," sheadds. ManagingStress. Ways to manage stress National Insure Kids Now Hotlinefor
“Immediate symptomsofacute poi- need not be expensive: free orlow-costhealth coveragefor
soningcan be detected, but it is difficult Acknowledge the realityofthe children in working families - 1-877-
for manydoctors tocorrelate symptoms situation. KIDS-NOW
with low-level, long-term exposure. Understand whatcausesyoustress. Alabama - 1-800-642-7761
Vaguesymptoms ofchronic exposure are Focusenergyon situationsyou can IIldlainhoois--11--887070--886521--54877109 & 1-800-468-
more likelyto be recognized byoccupa- control. 1834
tional medicine physicians. Set realistic goals foryour farm Indiana - 1-800-545-2296
“Manyfarmers do notwearadequate operation. H Iowa Concerns Hotline - 1-800-447-1985
protective clothingwhen workingwith Have a yearlyphysical checkup. (in-state);515-965-9301 (out-of-state)
pesticides and herbicides. Wewant to Take timefor quiet momentsand Iowa Teen Hotline - 1-800-443-8336;TTY
get the message out that they need pro- music. - 1-800-735-2942; Healthy Families - 1-
800-369-2229
tection." Takeshortwork breaks.
Kansas - 1-800-321-3276;785-532-6958
Extension agents and state pesticide Practice breathingdeeplyand relaxing
(in-state)
applicator training program coordinators muscles. Louisiana - 225-388-4141 (Gerald Giesler
teach safe pesticide application Exercise. orRaye Neely)
procedures. Getenough sleep. Minnesota Farm Advocate Program -
Otherorganophosphate exposure Eat nutritiousfood. 1-800-967-2474(in-state);651-296-1484
symptoms include exhaustion,weakness, Stay in close relationshipwith family (out-of-state); Minnesota - Rural Crisis -
1-800-555-6566; 1-800-363-3659
numbness,confusion,dizziness, blurred and community.
Missouri - 1-800-363-3659; 573-681-5549
and darkvision,cold sweating,salivating, Create more relaxation timewith (mediation); 573-449-1336(Rural Crisis
wateryeyes,stuffyor runny nose,twitch- significantothers. Center)
ingeyelids and tongue,vomiting,cramp- Be kinderand gentlerwith wordsand Nebraska - 1-800-464-0258(in-state);
likeabdominal pain,diarrhea,difficulty actions to family. 402-864-5578(out-of-state). Farm
breathing,and chest tightness. Find outletsforanxietyand frustration Mediation Service - 1-800-446-4071
Disasters. Disastervictims may like prayer,social gatherings,sports, New Hampshire -603-271-3551
(mediation)
express disbelief,anger,sadness,anxiety, or hobbies. NewJersey- 732-932-9171, ext. 253
and depression afterwards. Children Use humor.
(Robin Brumfield)
need extra attention, love,support,and Seeyour minister, priest, rabbi,or NewYork- 1-800-547-3276
reassurance. otherspiritual leaderfor counseling. North Dakota - 1-800-472-2911; 1-800-
Farm Deaths. Farm deathscan hap- 642-4752(in-state);701-328-4769
pen suddenlyand unexpectedly. Feelings Managing Risk. Financial stress (out-of-state)
ofnumbness,sadness,depression,anger, immobilizes people. Afinancial analysis Oklahoma - 1-800-248-5465 (mediation)
fear,emptiness,aching, hopelessness,and ofyouroperation bya farm business Pennsylvania - 1-800-851-4719
South Dakota - 1-800-691-4336; 1-800-
lowenergyare natural reactions. association orotherexpert can pinpoint 228-5254(in-state);605-773-5436
A ministerorgriefcounselor can help. strengthsand weaknesses. (out-of-state)
Ahug, knowing look,touch, praying Software programs designed specifi- isal Tennessee - 1-800-345-0561
together,or makinga sacred memorial callyfor agriculture, like FarmWin,jointly K WestVirginia - 1-800-851-4719
spoton the farm to honor the individual developed bySunrise Software,farmers, Wisconsin - 1-800-942-2474
can mean a lot. Griefisa natural healing and USDAsAgricultural Research Ser- Wyoming - 307-766-5133
(Alan Schroeder)
process that lessens over time. vice,offerfarmersa tool to maintain
ft
theirown accurate farm records. farmjobs. atingchangesand restructured assetsor
Farmsvary in their abilitytoweather Fiscal skills are critical. Successful debts,whethercash flowissufficientfor
shocks,asoperationsvarywidelywith farmers may not produce more than the long term,or ifresourceswarrant
enterprise mix,financial situations,and neighbors but manage resourceswell expansion.
businessand household characteristics. and make moneyon cost efficiencies. Helpinga FarmerFriend inCrisis.
Managing risk involvescombiningfarm Theycarefullywatch inputsand family People in crisis need someone to really
activities to maximize return ata man- costs, purchasinga newpartorequip- listen so that theycan tell what is hap-
ageable level ofrisk. mentonlywhen absolutely necessary. peningand affirm thedifficultyofthe
A risk managementstrategy might Survival may not be possible in severe- situation.
include enterprise diversification,vertical lystressed farm businesses. Financial Beavailable,givefull attention, make
integration, production contracts,crop advisors can help farmersdetermine if eyecontact,and focuson whata person
yield and crop revenue insurance,oroff- the farm businesscan survivewith oper- issayingwith theirface,eyes,voice,body.
Innovative Ideas and Approaches
Concerned aboutAmerica's high lies" Program. Funded by a U.S. differences in farm size, ages, work-
divorce rate effects on families, Department of Health and Human ing on or offfarm, commoditytype,
extension specialists are developing Services grant, primary and mental political party,farm organization
programsthat promote strong cou- health providers, statewide organi- affiliation, or environmental opinions.
ples. Research indicatesthat strong zations, academic institutions,farm- A newsletter celebratesfarm
couple relationships help people based organizations, social service women's strengths. Avideo and dis-
survivetough times and thatdeep agencies, and faith organizations cussion packet called "Healing Sto-
spiritual beliefs make a positive dif- are collaborating. (For more ries" offerstraining. For more
ference in people's lives. information, contactTammy Quail, information, call Dorothy Rosemeier
Qualitiesthatmark strong families Wisconsin Primary Health Care atthe University of Minnesota at
are remarkablysimilar across Association, phone [phone].) 320-589-1711.
cultures - commitment, positive Partners for Farm Health and Safety Farmer supportgroups are gaining
communication, spiritual well-being, at University of Minnesota Extension acceptance. Forming within
appreciation and affection, spending Serviceteamed up with professional churches, during farm couple
qualitytimetogether, and viewing actors inthe "Farm Alarm: Coping retreats, and at other settings, such
crises as challengesto grow With Stress" workshop, which dra- small groups offerfellowship,
strongertogether. matizesfarm stress and teaches support, and encouragement.
Churches are equipping local stress management. The workshop As part of "Sowing the Seeds of
pastorsto serve farmfamilies in involves audience discussion about Hope," Extension 4-H Youth Special-
stress and disastersituations. Pas- the impactof stress on health, safe- istTrisha Day used the American
tor Stan Waldon, MethodistChurch ty, relationships, and quality of life. Indian Talking Circle with eightfarm
Farm Crisis Chairman, meets month- To arrange a performance, phone teenagers in a workshop during the
ly in Brownsville,TN,with 612-624-7444, email: 2000 State 4-H Youth Conference at
agricultural agents, ministers, and [email protected], or see the University ofWisconsin-
farmersto stay briefed on how agri- website at Madison. Participantswere asked
cultural change affects localfarm www.bae.umn.edu/~fs/farmalarm. to hold a stone representing Mother
families and outreach needed. Min- Order brochure at$.60 per copy, Earth and weretold that no one
isters are meeting farmers on their payable to University of Minnesota, need fear speaking from the heart
ownturfto build trust. by contacting Farm Safety & Health while holding Mother Earth's hand.
M
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Program, University of Minnesota, Forthe firsttime,these teenagers
MN
North Dakota, South Dakota, and 1390 EcklesAve., St. Paul, shared their side of experiencing the
Wisconsin are developing 55108-6005. Farm Crisis with otherfarm youth
customized and creative prevention H Farm Women Network, a non-profit and considered waysto handle
and crisis intervention servicesfor groupformed bythree Minnesota stress and help otherteens discuss
farmersthroughthe "Sowing the farm women, addressesfarm farm crisis issues. For more
Seeds of Hope: Responding tothe women's life challenges. Forums information, contact Day (email:
Mental Health Needs of Farm Fami- helpfarm women build unity despite [email protected]).
words,and feelings, more than theirstory.
Select Website Resources
Give them ample time to talk.
Don't protect people in crisisfrom www.rma.usda.gov/news/archive.html www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster
reality. People need to learn the truth. Risk management information and Stress and disaster management links
Give accurate information,even ifit is farmersuccess storiesfrom USDA's from North Carolina State University.
Risk ManagementAgency.
negative.
www.extension.umn.edu/ruralresponse
It makessense to most people to www.colostate.edu/depts Families and youth,farm management
focus theirenergyon predictable life fac- Farming as a stressful occupation and and farm financial planning, and stress
tors. Help farmers identifytheir major family relationship factsheets and change managementinformation
stressors and developa plan to minimize available from Colorado State Universi- from the University of Minnesota.
effects. Askthem to specifysymptoms. ty(click on "CoopExt" and then "Con-
sumer" and "Family-Relationship"). www.ces.purdue.edu/agtransition/
Brainstorm aboutsolutions. Watch and
family.html
listen for potential suicide behaviors like fyd.clemson.edu/famlife.htm See managing stress series called
givingawaycherished possessionsor "The Taking Charge in Challenging "Charting a Course forthe Family
voicingsuicidal thoughts. Times" program and publication from Farm" from Purdue University.
Familiarizeyourselfwith community Clemson University.
mental health resources to offeroptions.
Urge professional help ifneeded. Offer CommunityResources. Community ment ofhealth and human services field
to contact the professional and accompa- mental health, medical,churches and offices;and communityfood banks are
ny the person toan appointment. Follow archdiocesan centers;countyextension, sources ofcounseling help. I
up to showyou reallycare. rural health.Salvation Army,and depart-
A Model Mental vided ideas. producingfood and fiberforAmerican
Paid outreachworkerswith farm back- and overseascustomers.”
Health Crisis
grounds,warmthwith people,and crisis Workersaresensitive to thefrustrations
Outreach Program and suicide intervention traininggo to and feelingsofhopelessnessthatat-risk
farmers' homes,devoting3 hoursfor farm familiesdisplay.
for Farmers counseling. The kitchen table-a safe, “Personal,emotional,and stress issues
familiar placefordifficultdiscussions are becoming more intenseand
Because hegrewupon a farm. Roger amongfarm families- isoften the meet- widespread asfarm familiessufferfamily
W
Hannan knowsthefierce prideand ingspot. lifedisruption,communityand
independent natureoffarmers that make Cominginto the homesetting,work- sometimesfarm displacement,and lossof
them resistseekingand acceptinghelp erscan observe thefamilyand assess theiroccupation and wayoflife. Families
from traditional officeand fee-based men- what help is needed. Thewholefamily forced to leave thefarm maystill suffer
tal health services. participateswith theoutreachworkerto depression 10years later,even ifdoing
Whiledirectinga communitymental developa 10-weekaction planwith goals, betterfinancially,"says Hannan.
health centerduringthe I980’s FarmCri- objectives,and timeframes. Thefamily- “Thosewhoworkwith farm families
sis.Hannan sawthatthe traditional men- focused program treatsall family mem- mustunderstand thatfarm culturecre-
tal health deliverysystemwas not bers, notjusttheoneexperiencinga ates in individuals responses tosituations
reachingfarmers. Program providersdid problem. that maydiffervastlyfrom the non-farm
notunderstand the uniquecharacteristics Workersdo notcompetewith commu- community."
and special needsofrural familiesfacing nitymental health centersand service This model program began in Illinois
seriouscrises. provideragencies but insteadwork in and hasspread toWestVirginia and Penn-
Programsdid nottakefarm culture into partnership,makingtreatment referralsas sylvania. TheCenteroffersclientsconfi-
account. Heenvisioned a mental health situationswarrant. Theycomesupplied dentiality,a hot line,and a databaseto
serviceoutreach program that used cultur- with county resource manualsand con- analyze their needs. Otherstates have
allysensitiveworkerswith farm nectclientswith help iftheyare toodis- inquired aboutsetting upsimilar
backgroundstodooutreach. tressed to makecontacts themselves. programs. For information,contact Roger
In 1985,Hannan founded the non-profit “Entire rural communities in America Hannan, Executive Director,Farm
Farm ResourceCentertotake mental are being phased outasAmerica'sagricul- Resource Center,226 Main Street, PO
health delivery backtoa communityset- turestructurechanges. Manyrural farm Box87 Mound City IL62963(phone618-
ting. Extension agents,rural ministers, familiesfeel nobodyis noticing,"says Han- 718-9623;crisis hotline:[phone];web-
farm lenders,and communitymental nan. “Factoryfarmswith corporate land site:http://wwwfrci.org). I
health and Farm Bureau professionals pro- holdingsarecapturingthe businessof
Marilyn Easter and could see myself
I
through the
Cheryl Ettinger
younger ladies
Laurens County South because had
I
,
been through their
' Carolina
segmentoflifeand
Marilyn Easterand Cheryl Ettinger realized the obsta-
fully partner in dairyingwith their hus- cles haveover-
I
bands in South Carolina's upstate area. comeandwisdom
Milkprices are the same as theywere20 learned.
yearsago. hitting the industry hard. “I knewI could
Because manyfarm women do the help theyounger
Marilyn Easter(right)withmembersofthe Upstate DairyFarm Women.—
farm record keeping,theyare often the womenwith cop-
PhotobyDesKeller,ProgressiveFarmermagazine.
first to notice ifthe familyfarm is in trou- ingskillsand inspire
ble. Bad prices for milkadd to thestress. them because have been there,done marriagesstrong.
I
But thesewomen have a secretstress that,and survived. realized that had “My husband told mewhen we
I I
buster -a dairywomen's supportgroup much tosharewith thesewomen,who walked down theaisle,” chuckles Easter,
called Upstate Dairy FarmWomen that livedairyfarmingeverydayoftheir lives." “I hopeyou realizeyou will be second to
has been meetingfor 5years. “I use thewomen'sgroupasa chance the cows. I laughed, butafter 35years of
janis Hunter,a countyextension agent to revitalize from the isolation ofbeinga marriage I appreciate his honesty.”
from Clemson University,organized and full-time dairywife and mom,”says “I have more energyto pour into the
led the first luncheon meetingof12 Ettinger. “With thesewomen you can say farm afterspending qualitytimewith my
women dairyfarmersafter they what is on your mind and theydon't women’sgroup,”says Easter. “We com-
expressed a need for regulargatherings. judgeyou or take offense. Ifyou want to municate in between meetings fora lift
As they introduced themselves,each vent,they letyou.” afterespecially hard days. And our hus-
one’sstorygot more emotional as feel- The second meetingstarted out emo- bands areverysupportive ofourgroup
ingsand tears held in fora long time tionally, then the entire tonechanged because theysee the benefits-we are
were released. Theywere dealingwith and therewas lots oflaughter. Monthly nicer to livewith!” I
the precarious financial situation in dairy- meetings include inspirational readings,
ing today,caraccident recovery,divorce, food,fun times like theateroutings,and NEXT ISSUE ALERT:
and a life-threatening illness. tips on topics like familycommunication.
“Theonewho had the most reason to The demands offarmingdo noteasily We will ask for your feedback
be totallydepressed becauseofillness," allowspecial times forcouples,so the on Small Farm Digest.
recalls Easter,“was the most inspirational. women share secretsabout keeping
Charles Strickland “I never thought itcould rain so much
Clinton North Carolina in a fewhours!”says local extension
, agentJames Hartsfield.
Small farmers in Sampson County, NC, It rained all night. The next morning
workcloselywith their countyextension farmswere underwater. Strickland’s
service and North Carolina A&T Universi- family, like others,sought refuge in the
ty's Small FarmerOutreach Trainingand local high school set up asa disaster
Technical Assistance Program,which shelter.
provides help in marketingand risk “All the ponds,creeks, rivers,and irri-
management. gation holesoverflowed with water,”says
Mary Mafuyai-Ekanem,Small Farms Strickland. “Theground wasso saturated
Management Specialist at North Caroli- that theflood watersjustsat there for
na A&T.calls risk management “learning days. All we had waswater,water,water!
MaryMafuyai-Ekanem(left)andJamesHarts-
approaches to handle the unexpected.” Itwas too late to plantagain so I had to field(center), North CarolinaA&T, with Charles
The unexpected waswhat farmer wait until the next plantingseason.
Strickland(right).—PhotobyRoseStrickland.
Charles Strickland dealtwith in 1999 “Youjust have to keep the faith and
when he lost hisspringvegetable crops keep on pushing. That’swhat life isall rewards. Mysons followourfamily’s
to droughtand hisfall crop to 5 feetof about,”says Strickland. "Farming isa farming tradition and mysummercrops
floodwatersfrom Hurricane Floyd. hard wayoflife, but italso hasgreat lookgood!" I
A widerangeofresourcesisavailableCoassise linkofpesticidesand prescription anti-
smallfarmersandranchersandcheircom- depressant medications. Cost:$95 plus$5
munities. Readers wishingfurtherinforma- shipping. Make payabletoAg-Culture Media
tionabouttheresourceslistedbeloware Project. Toorder,contactColorado Injury
Control Research Center,ColoradoState
askedtocontacttheindividualsoroffices
University,DepartmentofEnvironmental
listedforeach item. CO
Health. FortCollins, 80523-1676(phone
970-491-0670).
“AnAmerican FarmTale.” USDA/EPAfunded
Funkhouser Bldg.,UniversityofKentucky, Lex- videoon waystoavoid organophosphate
ington,KY40506-0054(phone[phone]). insecticide poisoning. Cost:$20 plus$3ship-
ping. Toorder,contact Rutgers University.
FarmSupportGroupManual.Howtostarta Pest ManagementOffice,Blake Hall,93 Lip-
“RespondingtoFarmStress.”Video teaches farmersupportgroup. Cost:$8. Contact:NY man Dr.,NewBrunswick,NJ 08901-8524
familymembersand peopleworkingwith FarmNet,Cornell Cooperative Extension.415 (phone[phone]).
farmers howto respond tofarmerstress. Warren Hall, Ithaca.NY14853-780! (phone
Cost:$15. Toorder,contact Mercy Medical 607-255-1603;websitewww.nyfarmnet.org). TheFarmer’sGuidetoDisasterAssistance.
Center,250 MercyDrive, Dubuque, IA52001
Comprehensiveguide todisasterassistance
(phone[phone]). "HealingStories.”Videoon self-worth,over- programsforfarmers. Cost:$18 tofarmers,
load.and dealingwith changes inagriculture ranchers,non-profitorganizations:$40to
FarmCrisisand Mental Health.Special usingthearts. Discussion guide included. others; includesshipping. Toorder,contact
issue publication for mental health profes- Cost:$35,payable to FarmWomen Network. Farmer’s Legal Action Group, Inc.,46 East4th
sionalswhoworkwith thefarmingcommuni- Toorder,contact DorothyRosemeier.West St.,Suite1301,St. Paul, MN 55101 (orderby
ty. Cost:$2. Toorder,contactThe National Central Research and Outreach Center, creditcard bycalling651-223-5400:fax:651-
Association for Rural Mental Health,3700 State Hwy.329, Box471,Morris,MN 56267 223-5335).
MN
West Division St„Suite105,St.Cloud. (phone[phone]).
56301 (phone [phone];website It’sAll inthe Farm Family. Publication offer-
www.narmh.org). “Green Blood,RedTears” byJoeTerrance ing interactivefarm familyactivitiesand com-
Gray. Avideoexaminingthe incidenceof munication tips. Cost:$4(in-state);$8
OutoftheBlue:Understandingand farmersuicidethrough thesuicidedeath of (out-of-state). Toorder,contact Universityof
RespondingtoDepression.Depression filmmaker'sfarmer nephew. Documents, Wisconsin Extension Publications,45 N.Char-
resource. Free.Leader'sguidealsoavailable. through U.S.and British research,the interac- terSt.,Madison,Wl 53715(phone608-262-
Toorder,contact Family&Consumer tions between suicide riskand economic 2063).
Sciences Extension. FamilyStudies Dept.,304 pressures;socio-religious beliefs;and possible
Anumberofgrant,loan,andtrainingpro- Rural HealthOutreachand Rural Health
gramsareavailabletosupportsmallfarmers NetworkDevelopmentGrantPrograms.
andtheircommunities. Examplesofsuch TheOfficeofRural Health Policy,U.S.
DepartmentofHealth and Human Services,
programsaresummarizedbelow. Readers
providesfunds tosupportthedirectdelivery
wishingadditionalinformationareaskedto
ofoutpatient health careand related
contacttheindividualsorofficeslistedfor
services through theOutreach Grant Pro-
eachitem. gram. The Network DevelopmentGrant
Program isdesigned fororganizationswant-
ingtoestablish integrated systemsofhealth
Grants, Loans, orfarms. Grouptrainingis held in local com- care in rural communities. Community
Training munities. Outreach services includeassisting mental health centersand other health
farmers in identifyingavailable USDAand providersareeligible. Outreach applications
extension programs,applyingforUSDAoper- aredueOctober 16,2000. Networkapplica-
atingand/orfarm ownership loans,providing tionsaredueOctober23,2000. To receive
Small FarmerAssistanceProgram.This financial assistance like record keepingor an application,call 1-877-477-2123. (Referto
national program administered by27entities production assistance like recommending CFDA93.912AforOutreach Grant Program;
in27statesassistssmall and limited-resource cropvarieties. For information aboutthe pro- CFDA93.9I2BforNetwork Development
farmers in improving netfarm income gram administered inyourstate,contact Program.) For more information,seeweb-
through better managementand financial USDAsOfficeofOutreach (phone202-720- site:www.nal.usda.gov/orhp.
analysis. Afarm managementspecialistcon- 1636).
ductsone-on-onetrainingatfarmers' homes
Y
U
INCOMING
liYIZNTS
Date Event Location Contact
Oct. 27 2000Landowner/Navigating Through Changes Kearney, NE Sharon Story or Marge Reed
inAgriculture Workshop 1-800-346-2650
Oct. 31- "Markets Tools, andOpportunities for Modesto, CA Karen Jameson - 202-720-5731 or
,
Nov. 2 Limited-Resource Farmers"Conference marketingoutreach.usda.gov/info/index.htm
Nov. 7-10 NationalAgrAbilityTraining Workshop San Antonio, TX 1-800-914-4424 or 202-347-3066
Nov. 17-19 16thAnnualCalifornia Farm Conference, "Healthy Santa Rosa, CA Marci Rosenzweig - 530-888-9206 or
Farms - HealthyCommunities: IngredientsforSuccess" www.californiafarmconference.com
Dec. 7-9 Acres U.S.A. Conference Minneapolis, MN 1-800-355-5313 or www.acresusa.com
$
'A
Jan. 12-14 Farm Couples Retreat Fond du Lac, Wl Kathy Schmitt - 1-800-942-2474
Jan. 15-21 “Diversityin the Desert"- NorthAmerican Farmers' Mesa, AZ 1-888-884-9270
DirectMarketingAssn. AnnualConference
Feb. 25-28 "Strengthening Familiesand Youth: Myrtle Beach, SC 864-656-5721 or
Strategies forSuccess" Workshop fyd.clemson.edu/SFY.htm
SeeSmall Farmwebsite(www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm)forthe mostup-to-date submissionstoStephanie Olson,Editor, SmallFarmDigest,CSREES, USDA,Mail
listingofevents.Wewelcomesubmissionsofeventsfromoursubscribersthat Stop2220, 1400 IndependenceAve.,S.W.,Washington, DC20250-2220(phone:
would beofinteresttothesmallfarmcommunitysothatourUpcoming Events 202/401-6544;fax:[phone];e-mail:[email protected]).
listing reflectsa diversityofeventsfromall regionsofthe country. Pleasesend
USDA U.S. Department ofAgriculture BulkRate
MflflHI 1400 independenceAve, SW Postageand Fees Paid
Washington, DC 20250-2220 US. DepartmentofAgriculture
PermitG-95
OFFICIALBUSINESS
PENALTYFORPRIVATEUSE.$300
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