NY FarmNet Welcomes Becky Wiseman, Michael Robertson, and Adam Howell to Staff Team
Ithaca, NY - NY FarmNet added three new full-time staff members to its administrative team in June. The new team members will allow NY FarmNet to continue delivering critical support to agricultural producers across New York State.
Becky Wiseman joins NY FarmNet as the Case Supervisor for Family Consultants. Becky is taking on this role after serving as an NY FarmNet Family Consultant since 2017. Becky has extensive experience, having been involved in the agriculture industry on Long Island since 1995. Becky previously served as Associate Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau and worked for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. Before working in the agricultural industry, Becky was an accomplished mental health professional who provided various counseling and therapy services. Becky holds a master’s degree in social work from Boston University and is a licensed social worker. Becky resides on Long Island.
Michael Robertson is the new Farm Business Specialist for NY FarmNet. Prior to this position, Michael served as a financial consultant for NY FarmNet. Michael brings fifteen years of farm management and agricultural business experience to NY FarmNet as the owner of Sawkill Farm, a diversified livestock operation in the Hudson Valley. Michael began his career in farming by working on the first community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Texas in 2003. Michael is experienced in direct-to-consumer marketing, financial planning, and income tax preparation. Michael lives in Red Hook, NY, with his family.
Adam Howell has started as the NY FarmNet Outreach Director. Adam recently served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Cornell Local Roads Program from 2017-2022. Adam has over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, outreach, marketing, and legislative affairs. Before working at Cornell University, Adam was a legislative affairs professional for the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Governor’s Office. Adam currently lives in Lansing, NY, with his wife and children.
“FarmNet is very excited to welcome the new members to the team,” said Greg Mruk, Executive Director of NY FarmNet. “They bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the organization. We look forward to them helping us meet the needs of the farm families across New York State”
The official start date for Becky, Michael, and Adam was June 16th, 2023.
NY FarmNet helps farmers, farm families, and agricultural professionals navigate times of crisis, growth, and opportunity. Farm clients are assigned both a family and a financial consultant to help address the many issues they may face. All services are free of charge and completely confidential. For more information or to request assistance, call 1-800-547-3276 or visit www.nyfarmnet.org and click the red “Contact” button.
NY FarmNet was founded by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in response to the national farm crisis in the 1980s. NY FarmNet still operates at Cornell as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management. The Dyson School is part of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business. NY FarmNet is funded by the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, the NYS Office of Mental Health, the private sector, and individual donations. If you are interested in donating to NY FarmNet, visit www.nyfarmnet.org and click the banner across the top.
*****
Contact: Adam Howell
NY FarmNet
Phone: 607-255-9526
Email: ah959@cornell.edu