THIS PAPER STATES THAT A DISPROPORTIONATE EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON COLLEGE-BOUND PROGRAMS, NEGLECTING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE RURAL SCHOOLS. THE FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA PROGRAMS APPEAR TO BE SUCCESSFUL DUE TO THE PROBLEM-SOLVING, WORK-EXPERIENCE APPROACH THAT BUILDS ON CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE HOME, THE SCHOOL, AND THE STUDENT. FOR RURAL BOYS, A MODERN VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM IS SEEN AS THE BEST PREPARATION FOR USEFUL EMPLOYMENT. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE EXPANSION OF PRESENT PROGRAMS, APPRENTICE-TYPE PROGRAMS IN AGRIBUSINESS, AND BETTER TEACHERS. (SF)