Farm youths losing confidence in that way of life.

A survey of agricultural families conducted by the National Farmers Union says stress over financial problems is causing anxiety symptoms and fears for the future among young people growing up on the farm. The director of youth and young adult activities for the NFU's Denver, Colo, office, said that young people who grew up on the farm are losing their faith in the future of agriculture.

She said a survey of young adults aged 18-22 indicates many are worried they won't be able to go to college due to family money problems. The young people are also reporting increased divorce, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and tension at home.

"I think the public doesn't associate these kinds of problems with farm life. The belief is that farming is still a good, peaceful, easy-going way to live. But that is no longer true. It might have been true 75 years ago - but no longer."

In fact the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a study that farm families face more stress-related illnesses than their urban counterparts, including 22 percent more ulcers, 26 percent more hypertension and 29 percent more strokes.

The stress is brought by low crop prices, high interest rates for operating and equipment loans and the possibility of home foreclosure.

Farm families who are under this kind of strain become alienated from their neighbors, their friends, even their churches. They're embarrassed by the prospect of losing the farm.

These are the kinds of problems I guess people don't usually think of when they think of rural life.