Statistics

Staff responded to 802 requests for assistance on our 1-800 help line.  Fifty-one percent of farmer calls were concerning business planning or succession, financial concerns, and forty-nine percent of calls were for interpersonal communication or other personal issues.  Moreover, there were over 610 direct calls and Email requests to program staff.  

Farm Financial and Personal Consultations
There were 201 case assignments in Q1 2008, 59% for financial & business concerns, and 41% for interpersonal concerns. Fifty-seven percent of farm contacts were made by financial consultants, and 43% were led by family consultants.  Some cases are carried over from the previous year and are not reflected in new case assignments.

Business Transition Consultations
There were 36 case assignments in Q1 2008 concerning farm partnerships, transfers, and new farm business plans. Fifteen  businesses were transferred to the next generation, and 71 business plans are under various stages of completion.

Farm Business Outreach (1,505 contacts)
In Q1 2008, FarmNet information was provided directly to more than 920 farmers through  trade shows and program presentations.

Outreach Collaboration
Financial Consultant Donald Peterson is a facilitator for two Dairy Profit Teams in WNY.  Ten farms are participating in Don’s efforts to provide assistance for a Center for Dairy Excellence project.

In Q1 2008, Stress on the Farm, a documentary on farm stress and means to find solutions via NY FarmNet was completed.