Ekstrom, Brenda L. (author), Leistritz, F. Larry (author), Rathge, Richard W. (author), and Department of Agricultural Economics, North Dakota State University.
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
USA: Athens, GA : The University of Georgia.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 85 Document Number: C05583
AGRICOLA IND 90037924, This study explores the characteristics of North Dakota families who quit farming between 1980 and 1986 for economic reasons. It describes (1) the demographic characteristics of former operators as well as the structural and financial characteristics of their former farms, (2) the financial circumstances of their departure from farming and the support systems they used in their transition, and (3) their current employment situation and perceived family financial well-being. These data are compared with those of a cross section of households that were operating farms in the state in 1986. The findings clearly indicate that significant numbers of farm families are making the transition to other occupations and that, in many cases, this transition involves migrating to urban areas. Displaced farmers who chose to leave their community were typically younger, more educated, and had less equity than those who chose to stay. Such selective migration poses numerous negative consequences for communities, such as declining school enrollments, membership losses in churches, a reduction in volunteers, and stagnation in community organizations. Additionally, the findings indicate that one in three displaced farmers did not take advantage of important community-based support systems to aid in their transition. This suggests that an important role for community development practitioners is to develop community-based programs that reduce the stigma of failure associated with those who quit farming while offering aid and assistance to marginal farmers. The major challenge for practitioners, however, is to devise a strategy that will broaden their area's economic base. Programs focusing on educational and technical assistance for local business operators, alternative delivery systems for community services, and the recruitment of young leaders and volunteers must receive high priority.
