NY FarmNet Information

NY FarmNet works with farmers in times of crisis, change, and opportunity. Founded in 1986 in response to the national farm crisis, NY FarmNet provides free, confidential, on-farm consulting to any farmer, farm family, or agribusiness employee in New York State. Our program operates an 800 helpline where a caller can reach someone any time of day, throughout the year, without having to navigate through a phone menu. NY FarmNet consultants work with farmers in teams of two, one focusing on financial issues and one focusing on family or emotional issues. Financial consultants have a background in agriculture and assist with business plans, cash flow analysis, succession planning, life after farming, developing financial records and record-keeping systems, and loan applications, to name a few. Family consultants have a master's level degree in social work or counseling. They work with farmers to improve family and marital relations, develop strategies for better communication, manage stress and anxiety, facilitate difficult discussions, and run family business meetings in a way that all members have a voice. NY FarmNet was founded by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, and the main office still operates from Ithaca as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics &Management. The Dyson School is part of both Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business. NY FarmNet is funded primarily by grants from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and the NYS Office of Mental Health.