NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

February 4, 1999

Bottom Line, Quality of Family Life Part of Decision Process

The continuing farm crisis is forcing many farmers and ranchers to make difficult, sometimes life-altering, decisions about their farms, ranches and families. During this time of tough decisions, it's critical to develop good family communications because families often become a strong source of support, says a family scientist at North Dakota State University.

"Thinking about how the family can provide a support system and a buffer to the stress you might feel when profits are low is really important," says Sean Brotherson, extension family science specialist at NDSU. "That's why paying attention to the quality of your family relationships is helpful when there are difficulties on the farm or ranch, especially where the bottom line is concerned."

Because it's the bottom line that can make or break a farm or ranch operation, Brotherson says family relationships often get put on the back burner. Paying attention to financial security should be a primary concern for decision makers, but it's important to remember that decisions made about the farm or ranch affect the entire family—and rarely are business-only decisions.

"It's not just a decision about making ends meet. It's a decision about the quality of life for your family," Brotherson stresses. "It's a decision about a meaningful way of life that you understand and how your family is going to be affected by the decisions that you make."

Because a family is bound by love, loyalty to one another and ties across generations, it is critical for farm and ranch families to be able to recognize and deal with the signs of stress before it gets out of hand. This is where two-way communication helps, Brotherson says. Effective communication also helps family members clarify the values and goals that are important to them.

"Identify resources that will be helpful to you in resolving a concern, and then consider your strategies and implement them," Brotherson concludes. "Farm and ranch families who can do this will be more successful in dealing with all the challenges they face."

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Source: Sean Brotherson (701) 231-6143

Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136

Writer: Kristi Loterbaugh (701) 231-6197