Winter 1999
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In this issue Iowa Institute for Public Leadership brings state officials together ISU and Extension respond to farm economy issues Extension strengthens low-resource families Modern Johnny Appleseed sows technology Kids dig in the dirt and grow in the garden
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ISU and Extension respond to farm economy issues Farm market conditions are leading to questions about the federal farm program, options available to farmers, farm credit, personal finance, business outlooks, crop insurance, taxes and a variety of family and individual concerns. Iowa State University and ISU Extension can help. The Farm Economy Issues website is at http://isufarmeconomyteam.org/ and includes an inventory of ISU and Extension services that support farmers, families and citizens tied to the farm economy. The ISU Farm Economy Team, led by ISU Extension vice provost Stanley R. Johnson, includes representatives of ISU colleges, ISU Extension and administrative units. The team is identifying primary points of contact at ISU for farmers and others who are trying to deal with economic or other problems. These contacts are listed on the website. The Farm Financial Planning Program (Finpack) offers one-to-one financial counseling, a computerized analysis of farm business records and referral to other extension programs or outside services. Strategic Advantage helps farm families develop the skills necessary to position their business in ways consistent with their personal objectives and the realities of the market place. For more information, contact any ISU Extension county office. Stress counselors and an attorney at ISU Extension's Iowa Concern hotline, (800) 447-1985, answer questions about financial concerns, legal issues and family transitions. Phones are answered all hours, all days. Teen Line, (800) 443-8336, offers personal and health-related information and referral. Phones are answered all hours, all days. Families Answer Line, (800) 262-3804, answers questions relating to home and family. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extension Councils in southern Iowa are planning a
March 18 program that will look beyond the farm economic
problem to its impacts in the rest of the community. The
effort involves Taylor, Adams, Union and Ringgold counties
in partnership with the Southwest Regional Partners group of
the Presbyterian Church. |