By Juana Lopez, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
July 1, 2023 | Montpelier, VT - As she sips her cup of coffee, Karen begins to ponder and reflect on the role she has played at Farm First. Karen Crowley, who has been the Program Manager for over 3 years will be retiring this summer.
Farm First, is a Vermont-based program that provides professional, personal support to tackle a wide range of issues that farm owners and their families might face, including but not limited to financial and family concerns, addiction, and illness. These services are free and confidential.
Karen explained that Farm First has been a mighty program since the very beginning of 2009. Since then, with grant funding in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM), they have had the opportunity to innovate and serve more farmers. The agency has supported Farm First to update market materials, increase media content on the Farm First website, train agricultural service providers, and launch the Farmer Peer Network. Overtime, Farm First capacity, services, trainings, and team have grown allowing the program to provide services to more farmers across Vermont. An example of this is the wellness checks that Farm First is now providing with a wellness coach to help farmers learn about lifestyle shifts to help manage stress, a follow-up session is offered after three months. Each farmer who participates will receive a $100 gift card.
“Being able to try new things has allowed for new opportunities and for growth. It’s what also led to Farmer Peer Network” she said. The Farmer Peer Network is a group of diverse farmers who have been trained in active listening and accessing resources who connect with other farmers and help them create goals, find solutions, or make referrals for counseling.
“What was the hardest part of the position,” I asked Karen?
“I think the most challenging part of this role was hearing about farmers who had been suffering for so long and having a tough time alone. I wanted to let them know that they were in fact not alone and good services and tools were available for them” she stated.
“Farm First has had an impact on the farming community by reducing the stigma on mental health. It has helped people understand that mental health changes overtime. Others like the Agency of Agriculture, funders, and partner organizations that come into contact with the farming community are always willing to help.”
“Is there anything you would like to say to current and future farmers within Vermont,” I asked?
Karen instantly smiles and quickly replies, “You are not alone. There are many people who are struggling, and there are many resources that can help like Farm First and the Farmer Peer Network. Connect with people.”
Leanne Porter, who has played the role as the Training and Development Manager at Farm First, will be stepping into her new position as the Program Manager. “Leanne has been working with me for a long time and is currently learning about her new role as the Program Manager. She has all the support from the Agency and staff and will do an amazing job since she knows the role so well. She is a problem solver, she is creative, and she thinks outside the box when it comes to mental health. My only expectation and wish for Farm First is to keep “kicking butt.” I think it is a perfect time and place for me to step down from this role,” Karen told me.
Karen will be moving to rural Vermont, where she will have adventures tapping maple trees for maple syrup, foraging, and bee keeping. She states that she does not want to lose touch with the agriculture community. She will stay strongly committed to the people and the land in a different way. “I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Foods, and Markets for always collaborating with us and helping us build what Farm First is today.
Thank you, Karen Crowley, for all your hard work. Best wishes as you embark on a new journey.
For information, please visit: https://www.farmfirst.org/resources/peer-support | https://www.farmfirst.org/