Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
10/21/99
Contacts:
Paul Lasley, Extension Sociology, (515) 294-0937, plasley@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Role of Hope in Time of Transition
AMES, Iowa -- According to the 1999 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, 55 percent of Iowa's farmers are dissatisfied with their farm's profitability. This is up from 34 percent in 1991. And 57 percent reported their personal level of stress has increased, with an additional 53 respondents reporting increased stress levels in families.
"We know these are stressful times because of the sagging farm economy, languishing farm incomes and for some people in farming, this represents a period of transition," said Paul Lasley, Iowa State University Extension sociologist and director of the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.
"Transitions are difficult because transitions represent change. Invariably, change produces losses and hopefully, produces gains. Change is generally difficult," he said. "Throughout agriculture, this is a period of transition. For some, these transitions may be minor, for others, major. Stress reaches well beyond the farm gate and includes owners and operators of main street businesses, feed stores, cooperatives, banks, church leaders and others in the food system."
For some, these transitions may mean changes in lifestyle. In the 1999 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, 51 percent reported they were cutting back on social activities, 47 percent postponed major farm purchases, 37 percent reported that they or a family member have taken an off-farm job, and 33 percent have delayed retirement.
For some people, this is a period when they may have to leave farming. In family-owned businesses, whether on main street or on the farm, the business represents more than a way to make a living. It represents one's personal identity, one's family identity and one's roots.
"A change or a loss of that business of that size hurts. These are significant because they affect one's identity," Lasley said.
"This is where the role of hope enters the picture. Hope is central to our very existence. It is when hope is gone, when dreams are taken away, when our world is turned upside down, when we hurt, that this is a signal to reexamine our values," he said. "Sometimes loss causes us to appreciate what we have, or nudges us to get our priorities in order. Perhaps it is during times of adversity that we should focus on what is truly important in our lives."
Difficult choices require that we be clear about our values, our priorities, our goals and what is truly important. "Many of us know people who have struggled to save the family farm only to discover that in saving the farm they lost the family. Sometimes we take actions to fix one problem, only to discover that in doing so we have created a new problem," he said.
"I marvel at people who have been dealt a severe blow, and have the ability to pick up the pieces, get their lives together and move forward. Maybe it is hope, or perhaps determination, resolve, strength, fortitude, mettle or courage. The quality of character to successfully deal with adversity might be called grit," Lasley said.
"It would be understandable for those suffering to wallow in self-pity, but instead they face adversity with an attitude that things will get better. Maybe they don't view themselves as victims, or maybe its because they understand there is no one to blame."
Another explanation for people being able to move forward with their lives is the role of social support. Feelings that others care and perceptions that there are others you can talk to about the problem may be quite important in accepting the loss. Research shows that adequate social emotional support is a critical component of the grief cycle.
"Perhaps we need to recognize the current agricultural crisis as a loss for many whom are grieving and develop ways to provide social emotional support as well as financial support to the victims," he said.
There is not a single solution to the current problems that grip agriculture. However, through a process of self discovery and seeking outside counsel and advice, producers are seeking solutions that best fit their operations.
"For some, it will be tightening their belts; for others it will be switching enterprises; and for others it may be looking for alternative markets, new ways to reduce production costs, or getting out of livestock production; for others it may result in quitting farming altogether," he said.
Lasley enouraged all Iowans to show forbearance as producers make these difficult decisions. "This is the time for the state to pull together and display the kind of caring that characterizes rural culture. These are difficult times and, while we can not reverse the trends, we can make the transitions easier by demonstrating concern and care."
One way to show this care is by acting as neighbors. "Neighbor should be considered both a verb as well as a noun. We need to support each other. The crisis gripping much of Iowa today challenges each of us to be more neighborly, to seek out ways to support each other, to work together and seek ways to strengthen community.
"All people need and deserve respect and social support. Being a friend in difficult times is the best way to show your concern," Lasley said.
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