Cultivating Resilience

Not many people get into agriculture for the money, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important on a farm. Join us as we explore the green that doesn’t grow on trees: how to get it, how to hold onto it, and how to keep it from dominating your day-to-day.

Show Notes

Not many people get into farming for the money. But that doesn’t mean money isn’t important on a farm. Finances are the root cause of a lot of farmer stress. From high up-front costs to fluctuating commodity prices and declining farm income, the worries are real. But there are also plenty of funds and fundamentals that can help you gain control of your money and alleviate the mental burden of financial anxiety.

In this episode, we talk to Valerie Woodhouse, social worker and owner and operator of Honey Field Farms in Norwich Vermont, on her own financial journey and how she addresses stress in her farming clients. You’ll also hear from university educators Maria Pippidis (University of Delaware- Cooperative Extension) and Jesse Ketterman (University of Maryland-Extension) on the essentials building blocks of healthy finances. 

Join us as we explore the green that doesn’t grow on trees: how to get it, how to hold onto it, and how to keep it from dominating your day-to-day.


Resources & Links:
·      Honey Field Farms
·      University of Maryland – Extension
·      University of Delaware – Extension
·      Dirt Capital Partners
·      Vermont Farm, Food, and Forest Viability Program
·      University of Maryland – Beginning Farmer Guidebook
·      Agriculture Risk Management Library
·      Farm Services Agency
·      List of State Department of Agriculture Websites
·      List of State Extension Programs
·      Farm Credit


Feedback:
If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co

A podcast from Cultivemos (FRSAN-NE)

What is Cultivating Resilience?

If you’re a farmer, you know the joy of working the land: the cadence of the seasons, the understanding of the natural world, the tangible results of your hard work. But you probably also know how stressful it can be. From family and finance pressures, to isolation and an exhausting job that has no days off.

In fact, agricultural workers experience suicide rates 50% higher than the national average, and that number is rising.
On Cultivating Resilience from Cultivemos (FRSAN-NE), farm care starts with self-care. We’ll hear from real, independent farmers on the struggles they face every day, and how they are overcoming them. We’ll provide resources to strengthen your mental health and survive uncertain times. And we’re building a community where farmers and ranchers can support each other, because even the hardiest plants need the right conditions to grow.

Together we’ll discuss the specific stresses that farmers face—things like family farm succession, economic burdens, and rural isolation. Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. And please, share the show with someone you think it may help.