Producers of virtually all of the major traditional agricultural commodities in the Southwestern Piedmont region of North Carolina are facing financial stress due to low commodity prices, unfavorable weather conditions, and increasing government regulations. For instance, feed prices have gone up, yet milk prices to dairy farmers are lower than they were 20 years ago, and the prices of cull dairy animals sold as beef are also down drastically. Producers of apples, forages, hay, poultry, swine, tobacco, tomatoes, and vegetables are also experiencing losses due to weather, disease, low prices and other uncontrollable circumstances. The above commodities have traditionally provided the major portion of farm families' incomes in the area of North Carolina west of Statesville.
Because farming as a business cannot be completely separated from farming as a lifestyle, the farm exists as a part of the farm family. Each farm family member will experience the financial stress current conditions place on the family unit, though each person will typically experience that stress in a unique way. Farm families need to develop positive techniques for effectively managing their current challenges and planning realistically for the future.
"Taking Charge in Challenging Times" is a multi-faceted educational program designed to strengthen the abilities of Southwestern Piedmont North Carolina farm families to deal with the financial stresses of current and future farming situations. Program presentations are available to area commodity groups in Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln Counties. Contact Area Specialized Agent Lara Worden if your group would like to participate in the program.
Topics covered in "Taking Charge in Challenging Times" include:
- What is stress? Body & Mind--the Stress Test
- Managing farm stress
- Assessing your family's situation
- Developing an Action Plan
- Options for dealing with financial distress
- Alternative income opportunities
- Identifying and using support systems
- Services for area families
Lara Worden , Area Specialized Agent
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