National Ag week was celebrated recently. It’s a week in which we recognize the abundant crops harvested by farmers all over the nation and the contributions they make to the economy. In New York state alone, the agriculture industry recorded $5.68 billion in cash receipts in 2013, up more than $1 billion from 2010. Economists estimate […]
National Ag week was celebrated recently. It’s a week in which we recognize the abundant crops harvested by farmers all over the nation and the contributions they make to the economy. In New York state alone, the agriculture industry recorded $5.68 billion in cash receipts in 2013, up more than $1 billion from 2010.
Economists estimate that for every one job created in agriculture, that one job generates an additional 0.8 non-agricultural jobs.
Consumer demand for local produce has surged in recent years. We’ve also seen communities voice a desire for open spaces amid pressures from land developers. Local farms provide both local produce and open spaces, but running a profitable farm is not easy. For the most part, these are family-owned and operated businesses that are subject to market and price fluctuations, weather, crop disease, and many rules and regulations where rest and time off is hard to come by, especially in dairy farming.
One group in particular that has recognized some of the complexities unique to a family-owned farm business is NYFarmNet. The organization assists farmers in transferring assets or farm ownership to the next generation, helps with expansions, and assists with retirement and estate planning. If a farmer calls with a concern, NYFarmNet determines which type of counselor to send — either financial, crisis management, or a business analyst. Counselors are hired on a consulting basis, which helps the organization save on costs, and counselors travel to the farms to assist the farmer directly.
In January, the organization held a two-day seminar on farm-business transfers in Syracuse. The seminar attracted 150 farmers. In talking with those who operate NYFarmNet, I found there is a growing demand in agriculture for this type of service. As farmers look to retire, they either need to transfer their farms to the next generation with financial agreements or sell outright. NYFarmNet also helps with advertising farms for sale.
In addition to financial and legal services, NYFarmNet provides mental-health counseling services and can send a psychologist or social worker to the farm when asked to do so. Most counselors and financial advisors have some experience with farming so they can identify the problems inherent and unique to farmers. Recently, NYFarmNet has had to respond to reports of barn roofs collapsing or damage to property due to the heavy snowfall this winter. This type of damage or property loss comes with its own set of considerations that the organization can provide advice on.
NYFarmNet is funded in part by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as well as the Office of Mental Health, and is managed by administrators through Cornell University. Last year, NYFarmNet received a total of $875,000 in the state budget through both departments. I support the funding of these services and hope through budget negotiations the legislature can at least maintain funding for the important services they provide to the agriculture industry. To learn more or to seek help, visit nyfarmnet.org or email them at nyfarmnet@cornell.edu or call 1-800-547-FARM (3276).
William (Will) A. Barclay is the Republican representative of the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or (315) 598-5185.