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WORK for farmers no longer farming
Kansas
Since the summer of 2003, the short-term economic conditions of many Kansas farmers has improved, yet the long-term trend toward fewer family farms continues. Comparing data from the 1997 and 2002 Agricultural Census for Kansas, thousands of family level farms have gone out of business. Many farmers continue to face severe financial hardship.
Farming and ranching have always been risky ventures. The past few years have included added hazards ranging from drought to hail storms and tornadoes to frigid temperatures and ice storms. Despite indications that the long Kansas drought is ending, many Kansas farmers and ranchers have already made the decision to leave farming.
Work Opportunities for Rural Kansans (WORKs) is a statewide program which helps self-employed farmers, ranchers and their families make a transition from farming and ranching to non-farm employment. Employment specialists assist program participants in developing employment plans, assessing skills and strengths and in applying for jobs. WORKs can help pay for tuition as well as provide employers with a monetary incentive to hire individuals for on-the-job training. WORKs can also help with travel and childcare expenses while individuals are in training or searching for employment.
WORKs is administered by Kansas Legal Services, Inc. (KLS), and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Kansas Department of Human Resources. WORKs is available through the KLS Topeka administrative office 785-233-2068 and outreach offices located in Hays 785-625-4514, Manhattan 785-537-2943, Dodge City 620-227-7349 and Great Bend 620-793-8825. Further information or referral may be obtained by contacting the nearest office.
Date: 4/6/04
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