IN A DISCUSSION OF SINGLE FAMILY RURAL FARM LIFE, THE VIEWS OF THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE CONFERENCE ARE PRESENTED IN RELATION TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN RURAL AMERICA. THE VALUES AND ROLES OF THE MEMBERS OF RURAL FAMILIES ARE PRESENTED IN CONTRAST TO THOSE OF THE URBAN FAMILY. ALSO INDICATED ARE CHANGES TAKING PLACE DUE TO MECHANIZATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES. SUGGESTIONS FOR STRENGTHENING AND PRESERVING THE RURAL FAMILY INCLUDE REPEAL OF LEGISLATION INJURIOUS TO SMALL FARM OPERATION (I.E., PUBLIC LAWS WHICH ALLOW IMPORTATION OF FARM LABOR AND PROVIDE SUBSIDIES FAVORING LARGE FARM OPERATIONS), AND USE OF COLLECTIVE OR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AS ONE METHOD OF STRENGTHENING THE SMALL FARMER'S POSITION. THE NEED FOR NON-SECTARIAN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS SUGGESTED AS A METHOD OF PRESERVING THE WHOLESOME RURAL FAMILY ATMOSPHERE. THIS SPEECH WAS DELIVERED AT THE AMERICAN COUNTRY LIFE CONFERENCE (CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND, JULY 12, 1960). (DK)