Social service providers can help people affected by declining farm income. In all likelihood, the support provided through communities, churches and local social service agencies will be as significant as any change in farm policy, says Jolly. Jessie Rasmussen, Nebraska Health and Human Services director, says mental health professionals need more training, and the ones who have worked in this sector need to lead the way. Weve been there, done this before. Some of the bright economic spots Rosmann sees are in the developing niche markets.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Farmers need to form close relationships with their neighbors and others in the community and not assign blame, says Mohatt. Communities need to mobilize to try and effect federal legislation that impacts directly on the needs of farm families.