Farm Service Agency surveys indicate that 6,500 farms will go out of business this year. Citizens in rural communities understandably are worried about what this means for their main streets, schools, and local governments. Similarly, citizens from across the state have reason to worry about the loss of a locally produced, wholesome, safe, and affordable food supply. Another concern is the prospect of hundreds of rural families relocating to the seven-county metro area, thereby adding to problems of congestion. And, we often think of our society as a family, and right now, part of our family needs help.
Rural problems deserve attention from multiple agencies and organizations.
The purpose was to join with other partners to address the social and economic crisis in rural communities. The University of Minnesota Extension Service has declared the rural social and economic crisis as our top program priority. For the short-term, the University of Minnesota Extension Service is helping farm families with financial planning, risk management, legal planning, marketing and stress management. Crops and livestock diagnostic teams have been organized to provide assistance to farmers who wish to stay in farming. Special programs to help farm families are focusing on change and transition, including career exploration.