Holistic Support and Consultation for Farmers
NY FarmNet Outreach Director Adam Howell will give attendees insight into one of the most unique farmer assistance programs in the country.
Based at Cornell University and funded by the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and the NYS Office of Mental Health, NY FarmNet helps farmers, farm families, and agricultural professionals navigate times of crisis, growth, and opportunity.
NY FarmNet’s unique support system provides farmers in need with both a family and financial consultant to help address any number of issues they may be facing. All of NY FarmNet’s services are provided free of charge and all cases are completely confidential. NY FarmNet was founded by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in response to the national farm crisis of the 1980s.
NY FarmNet still operates at Cornell as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management. The Dyson School is part of both Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn how a holistic approach to farmer support provides the best outcomes by combining aspects of both financial planning and mental health support.
- Attendees will gain insights into the operational model of NY FarmNet including the program's intake process, confidentiality standards, and farmer-driven support approach.
- Attendees will learn about the common stressors and pressures facing agricultural producers.
Speaker Bio:
Adam Howell is an experienced writer, marketer, media relations, and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. Currently, Adam serves at the Outreach Director for NY FarmNet where he travels the state promoting the program’s work to farmers, partners with supporters, and manages all program communications.
Adam previously served as the Director of External Affairs for Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating the public on autonomous vehicle technology. At PAVE, Adam oversaw public sector outreach and development. Additionally, he led the organization’s media relations, external communications, marketing, and content creation efforts which included the creation and of a national scholarship program, hosting a weekly podcast series, and organizing a national digital forum for policy collaboration on AV technology.
Adam also spent 5 years as the Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Cornell Local Roads Program and, prior to that role, worked for nearly a decade in Illinois State Government.
Adam lives in Lansing, NY with his wife and children.
