Changes in life - especially in farming - are here to stay. The ideal rural setting that promotes farm family life is threatened by a combination of problems. Families involved in the agricultural business in Washington State are experiencing a downtrend in commodity prices and this has affected their disposable income, family relationships, future outlook for the industry and decision making ability. Businesses in these communities are also feeling the pressures of less disposable income. Ministers and health care specialists are trying to help families decide what is best for them.
How do some farm families endure the adversity of farming and other families falter? Focus groups, collaboration with agriculture businesses and a team approach with agricultural extension educators provided the support to help farm families maintain their rural roots and farm family values during an economic crisis. Families learned how to communicate, build relationships, develop a financial plan for the farm and family and use their family protective factors to succeed during tough times.
This workshop will help other extension educators explore the possibilities for helping farm families. They will learn how to use focus groups, collaborate with the agricultural business community and team with extension colleagues to promote the importance of involving the family in farming decisions. Activities to promote financial planning for the farm family, how to use family protective factors to make positive choices for change and methods to build effective family partnerships will be demonstrated. Publications written and evaluation methods used to measure the educational program impact will also be shared.