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Facilitating Communication in Farm Families with Personalized Coaching

Leslie Forstadt

Summary

Facilitating Communication in Farm Families with Personalized Coaching is focused on Human Risk, specifically interpersonal, family, and business relationships. There are two methods to program delivery:

1) Five educational workshops offered regionally in Maine (locations: Houlton, Bangor, Rockland, Portland, Lewiston). Farmers (n=100) will attend a workshop about improving family and business communication. Each participant will complete a Needs & Wants worksheet, practice listening skills, create a goal, and identify steps towards it.

2) A Farm Family Coaching Program consisting of four, 2-hour meetings with two coaches. 12-15 families will be accepted from workshop participants that apply from a range of geographical locations. Coaching will engage farmers in practicing communication skills and increasing understanding of the impact communication has on productivity and efficiency. Coaching will be available on farm (in-person), and videoconferencing, and the delivery method will depend on farmer preference, coach availability, and geographical proximity to coaches. It is expected that at least two members of a farm family will participate in this component. Farmers (n=24-30) will develop a set of goals and a plan to reach the goals. Farm families that are not selected (n=unknown) to participate will receive educational information related to communication skills that they request.

Details

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