It's an understatement to say the economy and food animal production industries are in unprecedented times. We see our role, as your partner, in assisting you in navigating through these uncharted waters.

Many of you have questions, problems or challenges that need attention and assistance from experts who know the solutions ... and care.

Latest Postings:

Help for struggling farmers (Finance)
Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network provides financial guidance, technical assistance and mentoring to farm families facing economic hardship.

Farming through difficult times (Finance)
The University of Wisconsin extension service has launched a new Web site to help dairy farmers.

Cattle Update: Between a rock and a hard place (Human Capital)
I spent one summer during my college years working as a student trainee for a lending institution.

Managing Through a Recession: Options for Farm Operators 
After several years of favorable hay prices and generous margins, forage producers are facing a 2009 that looks less than rosy.

'You are not to blame'
Take it from an expert — you are not to blame for the financial problems you are experiencing as a result of falling milk prices. 

What do I tell the children? 
Don’t try to hide things from the children — your body language is already telling them enough with regard to the financial difficulties you are experiencing.

A ‘toolbox’ for those facing foreclosure (Finance)
With millions of homeowners owing more on their homes than they are worth — and nearly two million homes actually foreclosed in the first half of the year — a new industry has sprung up – mortgage modification help.

Managing through difficult times (Psychological)
The past 25 years — with low commodity prices, rapidly escalating farm expenses, shifting global markets, and extreme climatic problems including drought, floods, cold springs, hot summers — have been challenging for Wisconsin farmers.

Hotlines needed as suicide risk increases (Psychological)
Mental-health care in rural areas is increasingly critical as farms face one of the toughest economic times in recent memory.

Suicide an increasing concern (Psychological)
Suicide prevention hotlines in Minnesota are seeing a spike in calls, especially from the farming communities, according to a report from a Minneapolis TV station.


Help for dealing with the dairy situation slated (Psychological/Finance)
This is a turbulent, trying time for the U.S. dairy industry, with the dynamics of the global economy impacting dairy farm owners and agri-businesses.