July 15, 2002

LINCOLN, Neb. — This summer's drought is creating stress for Nebraska farmers and rural communities, University of Nebraska family life specialists say.

Little rain, heat-stressed crops, irrigation restrictions and added irrigation costs are threatening farmers' yields and profits in much of Nebraska, said Kathy Bosch, family life specialist at NU's Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff.

"When farmers don’t do well, our communities and businesses are affected," Bosch said. "Although we can't control the weather or our water supply, we can be aware of the difficulties farmers are facing."

Bosch said a supportive network is a major factor in effectively coping through difficult times. "We can make it through everything in life except being disconnected with others," said John DeFrain, NU family life specialist.

Although many farmers may feel isolated, a lot of Nebraskans are connected to relatives and friends in agriculture, DeFrain said.

"We all have rural roots," DeFrain said. "There are a lot of city folks that feel for rural people.

"To (farmers), it's not just 'how's your lawn' – it's your livelihood," DeFrain said.

DeFrain said in times of crisis people may withdraw from their families, churches and communities. However, dialogue often can help, he said.

"Sometimes we are concerned about butting in or sticking our foot in our mouth, but simply use your common sense when being a helping friend," Bosch said. "Usually good intentions are appreciated."

Those trying to help also need to know the limitations of their support, she said.

"There are times in everyone’s life when professional support would be beneficial," Bosch said. "It's no disgrace to say you can't deal with a problem or crisis."

DeFrain also recommends these approaches for families during difficult times:

– Pull together rather than apart. Don't see the problem as an individual's problem but as a challenge for the whole family.

– Get help from outside the nuclear family from extended family members, supportive friends, neighbors, colleagues, members of your religious community, professionals in the community or others.

– Actively meet your challenges head-on. Disaster in life doesn't go away when you look in another direction, but it is also helpful sometimes to withdraw for a time and replenish yourself.

– Know how to laugh and know how to cry, for both are essential if you are to maintain an emotional balance in life.

For more information about managing stress within the family, consult NU Cooperative Extension NebFact NF00-445, Creating a Strong Family Successful Management of Stress and Crisis, available at local Cooperative Extension offices and on the Web. For assistance with financial and legal problems or with dealing with stress, call the Farm Crisis Hotline at (800)464-0258.

07/15/02-SA

John DeFrain - Ph.D.
Child, Youth and Family Studies
Professor
(402) 472-1659

Kathy Bosch - Ph.D.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Assistant Professor
(308) 632-1244

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News and Photography
(402) 472-3030

Department: Family and Consumer Sciences