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Rural Mental Health & Family Relationships
  1. Val Farmer 35 Years of Counseling
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  3. I. Family Farming and Ranching

1. Purpose of Family Farming

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    Articles

    From Father To Son In Rural North America (January 1997)

    Passing on the family farm is the lifeblood of agriculture. Who gets the farm? Why do some children leave and some stay?

    These are questions addressed by rural sociologists Glen Elder and Elizabeth Robertson of the University of North

    Living Close To Nature (September 1995)

    For the 20 years I've lived in South Dakota, I've stood in awe of the lives and values of rural families. This has been a unique, different experience. I've tried to understand why and I'm still trying. I've written about unique themes - stories

    Woman And Farming: A Blessing Or A Curse? (June 2001)
    This article describes how family farming, if done right, can be a satsifying lifestyle for a woman. Also family farming has the potential for causing great unhappiness and stress. The pro's and con's of family farming as they affect women are pointed out.
    Decision To Farm Based On Economics, Father/Son Relationship (April 2006)
    This article is based on research showing the factors on how sons decide whether or not to take up farming.
    How Important Is It To Pass On The Farm? (November 2006)
    This article examines the positive and negative aspects of trying to pass on a farm to offspring who will carry on the commitment to farming.
    Tough Questions About Family Farming (May 2007)
    This article contains tough questions for each family member prior to making a decision about intergenerational or multifamily farming.
    The Bond Between A Farmer And His Farm  (July 2007)
    This article describes the powerful attachments a farmer has for farming and why it is difficult for a farmer to live a balanced lifestyle with proper priority placed on marriage and parenting.
    Farming Is Something You Do Together (March 2008)
    This article highlights the contrast in experiences for women in agriculture when they are regarded as true partners and included in family farming as opposed to women who feel they second or third rate when it comes to their husbands priorities.
    Leave A Legacy Of Love (March 2009)
    This article describes the true legacy of values and human relation skills that will enable children to be far more successful than gifts of money and business assets. This legacy reverberates through the generations.
    Can You Farm Together? Tough Questions Require Honest Assessment (July 2011)
    This article reviews the types of problems that surface in family farm operations and encourages family members to assess their compatibility prior to beginning joint ventures.