Farm income has dropped abruptly from levels experienced in 1996 and 1997. This can result in the restructuring of some farms in order to continue-some families may have to sell out and leave farming. The most vulnerable farm businesses are those with a small land base, those with a younger operator, those in livestock production, those experiencing production difficulties or managerial problems, and those with higher debt loads. As a result, the 2000 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll found that since 1998 there has been a significant decline in the percentage of respondents indicating the quality of life has become better in the last few years and in the percentage that expect the quality of life to improve in the next five years. Because younger farmers are most vulnerable during hard time, they are more likely to seek mental health services.
Depression is apparent and is a result of the continuing economic stress.
Additionally, agricultural industry and small business owners have been hit hard because of cash flow deficiencies in the farming community. The farmers' cash flow crisis creates a main street crisis and stress that can result in depression among those who work in the agricultural industry. In Iowa, there are regional differences in economic stress, in service accessibility, and in community support mechanisms to help struggling families deal with problems. Many of these regional differences are reflected in the seven area plans highlighted in Section B of this proposal.