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Minnesota Farm Advocates

What is the Minnesota Farm Advocate Program?

Farm Advocates provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota Farmers who face crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems. Farm Advocates understand the needs of our agricultural families and communities. They are trained and experienced in agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, disaster programs and to recognize the need for legal and/or social services.

The Farm Advocate Program has been supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture since 1984. There is no charge or fee for Farm Advocate assistance.

Farm Advocates receive continuing education in the changing and complex issues of lender policies, bankruptcy laws, mediation, tax laws, USDA's Farm Service Agency's loan programs, Farm Credit Services and all other government programs affecting agriculture.

The Farm Advocates have a network of attorneys, accountants, human service professionals, educators and other sources of information and services.

When should you contact a Farm Advocate?

  • When you are going into mediation.
  • When you negotiate with lenders.
  • When you are liquidating assets of the farm operation.
  • When you need financial information.
  • When you suffer a devastating loss i.e., fire, disease or natural disaster.
  • When you receive an adverse decision from a state or federal agency.
  • When your open accounts have substantially increased over 12 months.
  • When there is a major drop in your equity over 12 months.
  • When you are entering into or dissolving a partnership.

Farm Advocate Services

Financial Planning

  • FINPACK preparation
  • Cash flow projections
  • Identify problem areas
  • Discuss options
  • Debt restructuring
  • Debt resolution
  • Loan applications
  • Retirement planning

Lender Negotiations

  • Mediation planning/sessions
  • Farm Service Agency
  • Farm Credit Services
  • Banks
  • Implement dealers
  • Other creditors

Farm Programs

  • Planning
  • Applications
  • Appeals
  • Referrals
  • Assist in case of preparation

Social and Human Services

  • Applications
  • Appeals
  • Referrals

Farm Advocates and Locations

  • Bruce Lubitz | Field Manager
    • Perham
    • Ph: 218-346-4866
  • David Hesse
    • Comfrey
    • Ph: 507-877-3012
  • Ruth Ann Karty
    • Clarkfield
    • Ph: 320-669-7135
  • George Bosselman
    • Fosston
    • Ph: 218-200-9432
  • Steve Zenk
    • Danube
    • Ph: 320-894-2517
  • Wayne Pike
    • Rochester
    • Ph: 507-251-1937
    • Fx: 888-255-9735
  • Robert Stommes
    • Saint Cloud
    • Ph: 320-433-5355
  • Jim Molenaar
    • Central Minnesota
    • Ph: 320-984-9124
  • Laura Cullip
    • Hutchinson
    • Ph: 320-296-1569
  • Friendly Vang-Johnson
    • Miinnetonka
    • Ph: 206-276-2284
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