Farm Financial Conferences a
Success!
As a result of continuing low commodity prices, droughts, hurricanes Dennis and Floyd, and subsequent rains, farmers in Southeastern Virginia, like many others, are suffering tremendously. Their businesses are treading turbulent waters and in some cases, trying to survive mortal financial wounds. In light of these circumstances, farm business managers are repeatedly asking the question “How are we going to survive?”
Farmers need answers and help navigating the waters of government programs. There are many programs available to assist the farm business owner/manager. Many programs overlap and are often confusing. That sometimes is the trouble. Some farmers know how to work with the system to efficiently manage their business. Many do not.
Government
programs and specifications may, and often do, change from one year to the
next, especially when natural disasters occur.
Congress has just passed legislation containing additional aid this year
to assist those ravaged by recent weather events, as well as attempt to resolve
other inequities plaguing agriculture.
President Clinton has signed the package into law. Financial tools are now in place the astute
farm manager may use to manage the business’ bottom line.
As a result of numerous requests for information,
several Farm Financial Conferences were held across south side Virginia. The purpose for the Farm Financial
Conferences was to bring together information from five major sources to
identify and facilitate the distribution of money available to farmers. The conferences had four segments:
|
1.
Government programs |
§
Lending §
Government funds distribution |
|
2.
Conservation Funds |
§
Natural Resource Conservation §
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation / Soil and Water
Conservation District |
|
3.
Crop Insurance |
§
Risk Management Agency |
|
4.
Farm Business Management |
§
Virginia Cooperative Extension |
Thematic questions for each segment were:
|
1.
What money is available? |
|
2.
Who qualifies for the money? |
|
3.
How does the farmer get the money? |
All speakers were from the national, state, or
regional level. Every conference
meeting also had local government, banking, and insurance on hand to answer
questions specific to local issues, as well as help participants sign up for
financial programs right on the spot.