A new network provides farm families in Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan and Sangamon counties with support. The Farm Family Resource Initiative is supported by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development.

University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free online webinar at noon March 30 to discuss the program. The initiative provides a helpline for farmers and provides outreach, education, and training. Registration is required..

Karen Stallman, agriculture resource specialist at SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development will discuss the new program. Stallman is the coordinator of the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

Stallman worked 20 years with Illinois Extension in Randolph County as a youth development adviser and county director. She served as vice provost and director of sustainability of Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud campus. Before serving as the agriculture resource specialist, Stallman was director for continuing education and outreach at SIU. She holds a master's degree in agriculture education.

If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email the contact Nancy Ouedraogo, Illinois Extension community and economic development specialist at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.