ABSTRACT
The changes in agriculture are being identified as a "farm crisis." The parents continued to operate the farm until their retirement, at which time the operation of the farm was turned over to some other farmer in the area through sales or rental arrangements. Fifty-seven percent of the farmers received most of their farm income from corn, Wheat, sorghum and soybeans. Behavioral reactions to stress were self-reported by farm men and women. The Farm Resource Center consists of a hot line and 18 counselors or outreach workers who work with families and community groups. The data suggest that most families forced out of farming face a serious mental health problem. In addition, to its organizational and financial problems, the mental health system continues to experience a significant problem because of the stigma attached to mental health in rural areas. In the absence of an adequate mental health system, social support groups are being established in many areas.
