The Nebraska Farm Mediation Program has been very effective in providing borrowers and creditors an alternative means of resolving their financial disputes without litigation or appeals.
Mediation clinics are held monthly in Norfolk, Beatrice, Grand Island, Ainsworth, Alliance, Lexington and North Platte. These educational meetings provide information for producers on farm finances; the laws, regulations and policies governing FSA; debt restructuring and other legal options; and how the mediation program fits into this process. To register for a clinic, call the Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.
Borrowers who apply for mediation are offered an individual financial analysis of their current situation and a counselor will come to your place.
Also available upon request is a booklet titled “Farm Mediation and Debt Restructuring in Nebraska, A Guide for Farmers and Ranchers." There is also a 20 minute educational video about the mediation process.
Other resources are available through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, which include the Farm Hotline, Legal Services, Food Pantries, Community Action Agencies, Farm Programs, and Mental Health Counseling.
The Farm Hotline can be a first stop for information on the resources and services available to Nebraska's farm, ranch and rural residents. This toll-free hotline offers a variety of referral and support services for family farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents anywhere in Nebraska. The Hotline is housed in Nebraska Legal Service's Farm Law Office in Bancroft, Nebraska. Farm Hotline is 1-800-464-0258
Also available for persons affected by the rural crisis is the Nebraska Counseling Outreach and Mental Health Therapy project. This project offers no-cost vouchers for confidential mental health services for persons affected by the rural crisis. Vouchers and information on participating mental health providers can be obtained by calling the Nebraska Farm Hotline.
For more information about the Farm Mediation Program, visit their website at http://www.agr.state.ne.us/division/med/med.htm.