III. Farm Crisis and Stress

This is not a good year for farmers. There is a glut of grain and protein on the market. Prices are bad. The bottom has fallen out. Many farm couples are puzzling over the decision to stay in farming. Many are trying to figure out how to get out and keep their shirt on their back. Trying times create divisions between husband and wife about their goals - whether to keep fighting or be flexible enough to start over with a new life and new lifestyle.

Public television is presenti ...

I have been privileged to learn about the psychology and soul of rural people, of farmers and ranchers who brave this variable and occasionally inhospitable land. They have shared their pain, their worry, their joy, their hopes and their dreams. I’ve been privileged to be a witness to a special people in special circumstances and to tell their stories.

Right from the beginning I stood in awe of the lives and values of farm families. This was unique, different from anything ...

In the middle of the night, I am listening to the sound of death. It is the rumble of distant thunder. It is the sound of rain falling.

Why is a life-giving force such as rain so menacing? Instead of nourishing the soil, it is nourishing dark, runaway thoughts as farmers listen to the sounds. This sound of death is the death of family farms. Dark thoughts, growing with each storm, are thoughts about quitting farming, quitting while there is something left.

In eastern N ...

Dr. Farmer, why is this a tough year in agriculture? Low prices. Low yields. Diseased crops in this region. Record amounts of grains and protein on the market. This year the Asian crisis has deflated demand. Drought in other parts of the country. In the big picture, technology is the main force in reducing the number of farmers and ranchers.

On a personal level, how does this year compare with past years in agriculture? How tough is it? I've had farmers come to see ...

In a previous column outlining mental health issues in rural communities, I requested comments from readers on what they thought I left out of my discussion. I received the following replies.

"One stress point is lack of alternatives in choice-making. For instance, there are fewer persons from whom to choose friends. There are fewer choices in purchase options - only one grocery store, one clothing store, and so on. There are fewer choices in churches.

"That ...

When do farmers involve outsiders in their struggle with an eroding financial position?

When the pain is great enough. Even at that, the denial of reality may delay the decision to go for help and make a bad situation more precarious.

I recently saw the flood devastation in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. It was beyond comprehension. I met with flood victims who shared their stories of the flood. I've tied to be faithful in recounting their experience.