STAKEHOLDERS TEAM UP FOR ACTION IN NEW YORK DAIRY (STAND)

Farmers are essential members of our communities, but farming is hard work and can be stressful, especially in today's climate. Dairy farmers spend much of their time caring for livestock, crops, and their families, not to mention handling the day-to-day challenges that farming brings. Unpredictable weather, disease, volatile commodity prices, limited access to healthcare, financial troubles, and government regulations are just a few of many challenges facing farmers today.

In response to these challenges, Stakeholders Team up for Action in New York Dairy (STAND) was organized from December 10-12, 2018. The purpose of the workshop was to identify ways we can improve the lives of our state's dairy farmers. The meeting was organized by a steering committee of five agricultural and behavioral health professionals, and attended by representatives from seven sectors:

  • Female farmers and farm wives
  • Male farmers and farm husbands
  • Agricultural organizations
  • Dairy organizations
  • Health organizations
  • Mental health organizations
  • Government organizations

The STAND workshop served to identify common goals of the stakeholders and to determine what collaborative actions could be taken by the group. These action plans, and progress toward them, are outlined on this webpage.