Small Bites – Practical Tips for Farm Resiliency – Navigating Disaster
Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and family well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm families.
COVID-19 was described recently by Scott Carlson of Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) as “similar to being hit by a natural disaster.” Or even “an earthquake and then a tsunami.” COVID-19 will take many lives. The news of the day becomes another event to add to the stresses. All of us will be affected personally in one or a multitude of ways and in ways that may not wreck crops or equipment but may affect markets, community relationships, processing, and distribution chains. Most disasters mean a long recovery period for farmers – not 2 months but disaster experts say that it is more like 2 years. So we are in this for the long haul. FLAG just published this excellent guide for farmers to use when navigating the various agencies and programs offering COVID-19 assistance. Stay well out there and look out for the wellness of those around you.
Farm coaches can meet with you to talk about all the decisions and changes happening on your farm – learn more about farm coaching.