Podcast Summary: New York Farm Bureau News Bytes

Title: Interview with Adam Howell and Audrey McDougal on NY FarmNet
Episode: #1
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Amanda Powers, Director of Communications at New York Farm Bureau

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, host Amanda Powers engages in an insightful conversation with Adam Howell, Outreach Director at FarmNet, and Audrey McDougal, a Family Consultant. The episode delves into the pivotal role FarmNet plays in supporting New York farmers, not just in managing their agricultural operations but also in addressing the financial and mental health challenges inherent in farming.

Overview of FarmNet

Adam Howell provides a comprehensive introduction to FarmNet, emphasizing its mission to offer free and confidential consultations to farmers across New York State.

Adam Howell [01:38]: "New York FarmNet is a totally free confidential consultation service and we're available to any farmer in New York State, big or small, regardless of what commodity, regardless of what type, beginning or, or an older type of farm."

FarmNet’s services are inclusive, catering to all types of farming operations—from dairy and fruit growers in regions like Long Island and Buffalo to those in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes. Funded by the state, FarmNet ensures accessibility for all New York farmers.

Mental Health in Farming

Audrey McDougall sheds light on the critical issue of mental health among farmers, highlighting alarming statistics and contributing factors.

Audrey McDougall [03:02]: "Mental health is a serious concern for farmers and this population. There are higher rates of depression in rural areas, higher rates of depression and anxiety among farmers compared to other occupations."

Farmers face unique stressors, including financial uncertainty, unpredictable weather, and the physically demanding nature of the work. The suicide rate among farmers is three times higher than the national average, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support.

Services Offered by FarmNet

FarmNet's dual-focus approach addresses both financial and mental health aspects of farming. Adam Howell explains how the organization operates:

Adam Howell [01:38]: "We send out two consultants, usually to the farm. We do work on the farm in person with farmers on any number of issues, and we help them lay out a plan to address any type, of, any type of problem, any type of opportunity, any type of change that they're having in the farm itself."

Audrey adds that the role of a Family Consultant involves facilitating difficult conversations within farming families, especially during transitions like succession planning or retirement.

Daily Operations of FarmNet

When discussing a typical day at FarmNet, Adam Howell emphasizes the variety and community engagement inherent in the role.

Adam Howell [04:01]: "There isn't a typical day. We have a very big sense of community amongst agriculture in the local areas throughout the state. My job is fun because I get to tell the story of the farmers that we serve..."

Activities include direct consulting, educational outreach, and presentations like Talk Saves Lives and Stress Management. This dynamic environment allows FarmNet to creatively address the diverse challenges faced by farmers.

Talk Saves Lives Program

Talk Saves Lives is a pivotal program aimed at equipping individuals with the tools to discuss and prevent suicide.

Audrey McDougall [05:08]: "It's a presentation around how to talk about suicide and how to use conversation around suicide as a way to prevent suicide."

The curriculum, developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), focuses on initiating conversations, recognizing risk factors, and reducing stigma associated with mental health discussions.

Stressors Faced by Farmers

Audrey McDougall outlines the multifaceted stressors affecting farmers:

Audrey McDougall [08:42]: "One of the biggest stressors is financial pressure... unpredictability of the weather... physical demands... family dynamics..."

These stressors vary across generations, with older farmers grappling with identity tied to the farm and younger farmers facing anxiety about the future and debt.

Attitudes Towards Mental Health

Adam Howell notes a positive shift in attitudes towards mental health within the agricultural community.

Adam Howell [11:10]: "We're seeing a little bit more of a willingness to talk about things and approach things with regards to mental health and agriculture."

This change is partly due to the integration of social workers into FarmNet's model, addressing both financial and mental health issues holistically.

Success Stories

Both Adam and Audrey share success stories that highlight FarmNet's impact:

Adam Howell [16:25]: "We've had a lot of really great succession planning cases... facilitating open, honest conversations..."

Audrey McDougall [18:08]: "Clients feeling that they know how to address their own stress and they've gained tools in how to do that."

These stories illustrate how FarmNet helps farmers navigate complex transitions and mental health challenges, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Generational Differences

Audrey observes a generational divide in openness to discussing mental health:

Audrey McDougall [19:28]: "Younger generation being slightly more open to talk... older generation, once trust is built, people open up."

Social media has played a role in easing the younger generation into more comfortable discussions about mental health, although challenges remain across all age groups.

Steps to Seek Help

Audrey outlines actionable steps for farmers or their families seeking assistance:

Audrey McDougall [21:15]: "Start with someone that you trust... call the 988 National Hotline... calling FarmNet for professional help."

These steps emphasize the importance of reaching out to trusted individuals and utilizing available resources to begin the journey towards mental well-being.

Overcoming Stigma

Both speakers address the lingering stigma surrounding mental health in farming communities and how FarmNet mitigates these barriers.

Adam Howell [23:38]: "Confidentiality and then going to the farm are key in getting farmers to utilize our services and open up."

By meeting farmers in their own environments and ensuring complete confidentiality, FarmNet creates a safe space for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or exposure.

Contact and Access Information

FarmNet provides multiple avenues for farmers to access their services:

Adam Howell [25:26]: "Visit our website, newyorkfarmnet.org or call us at 1-800-547-3276. We have a 24/7 hotline and local consultants across the state."

This accessibility ensures that support is readily available to any farmer in need, reinforcing FarmNet’s commitment to the agricultural community.

Conclusion

The first episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes effectively highlights the indispensable role of FarmNet in supporting New York farmers. Through comprehensive services addressing both financial and mental health challenges, FarmNet fosters a resilient and well-supported farming community. Adam Howell and Audrey McDougall provide valuable insights into the complexities of agricultural life, the importance of mental health, and the innovative approaches FarmNet employs to make a meaningful difference.

For more information or assistance, listeners are encouraged to reach out to FarmNet via their website or hotline.