This is a turbulent, trying time for the U.S. dairy industry, with the dynamics of the global economy impacting dairy farm owners and agri-businesses. Through no fault of their own, most dairy owners are facing a financial crisis.

Iowa State University Extension has scheduled statewide a series of crisis management meetings for dairy producers, bankers, lenders and community leaders.

The events are designed as informational meetings on financial and legal options available to dairy farm owners, stress management strategies and resources for farm owners and their families.

Speakers will include John Baker, attorney with the Iowa Concern Hotline; Erin Herbold, legal consultant for the Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation; and ISU Extension specialists in farm management dairy, and family life.

The workshops, that all run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will address topics such as:

• What is going on in the dairy industry?

• What are financial options and strategies?

• How to talk to the banker about current problems.

• What legal options and strategies are there?

• Making good decisions during stressful times

• How to talk to the children about the problems.

The dates and locations include:

• July 28: Forster Community Center, 404 First Ave., Rock Rapids, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• July 29: Sioux County Extension office, 400 Central Ave NW, Orange City, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• July 30: Lohff Community Center, corner of U.S. highways 59 and 20, in Holstein, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 4: NE Research Farm, 3321 29th St., Nashua.

• Aug. 5: NE Iowa Dairy Foundation, 1527 Iowa Highway 150 South, Calmar.

• Aug. 6: Oelwein Public Library, 201 E. Charles St., Oelwein.

• Aug. 18: Dubuque County Extension office, 14858 West Ridge Lane, Dubuque.

• Aug. 19: Elkader AEA Building, 14002 Second St NW, Elkader.

• Aug. 20: Jones County Extension/Jones County Farm Bureau building, 605 E. Main, Anamosa.

• Aug. 21: Freedom Security Bank, 402 B. Ave., Kalona

Light refreshments and printed materials will be available. A $5 registration fee per farm will help cover costs.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to preregister by contacting Chris Mondak, ISU Extension dairy specialist at (712) 737-4230, or by e-mail at cmondak@iastate.edu.