Released: February 13, 2003

Program Can Help Farmers During Difficult Times

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Just like their urban neighbors, Kansas farmers and ranchers sometimes struggle with financial and legal issues, but a grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help.

"During difficult times, people tend to withdraw and often try to handle things on their own," said Char Henton, mediation coordinator of Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services. "It’s sometimes difficult to talk to someone else about legal and financial problems, but there is expertise available that can help sort out some of the problems."

KAMS, administered by Kansas State University Research and Extension, was established in 1988 as a way to help resolve conflicts using mediation. Financial and legal services are available to help callers understand their options and alternatives.

"We provide dispute resolution opportunities for the state’s agricultural borrowers and creditors. We also provide dispute resolution for farmers with non-credit issues concerning other USDA agencies, such as the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service," Henton said.

The service is voluntary and confidential and allows for a neutral third party to help those in conflict identify issues, options and possible solutions.

KAMS also works with Extension personnel to provide farm financial analysts when an analysis of the profitability of a farm or ranch is needed.

The program has a full-time staff attorney and also has an agreement with Kansas Legal Services, Inc., to provide legal representation to Kansas farmers and ranchers on a reduced-fee basis, depending on the individual’s income level, Henton said. KLS has regional offices throughout the state.

For more information about KAMS, interested persons can visit its Website at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_kams/ or call toll-free 1-800-321-3276.

In addition to information about KAMS, the Website includes a list of agencies that can offer information and help to the state’s farmers and ranchers.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter, Communications Specialist
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News