A new Help Hotline gives farmers a resource to call on with issues of stress caused by financial problems, the state Agency of Agriculture announced today. These telephone lines will enable farmers to reach the staff of Rural and Agricultural VocRehab (RAVR), AgrAbility, Farm Viability business planners, dairy management teams, farm business planners, and other UVM Extension specialists.

Staff at Extension offices will relay farmers' requests into the appropriate channels. The phone number for the Rutland office is (800) 281-6977; St. Albans, (800) 639-2130; and St. Johnsbury, (800) 545-8920.