This report summarizes data from a February 1989 survey of farm families in 12 North Central states and is a companion reference report for a series of state reports. The 12 states are subdivided into Corn Belt states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio); Plains states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska); and Lakes states (Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin). Questionnaires were completed by 4,087 farm operators and 3,630 spouses. Operators were slightly older and had slightly larger farms than operators described in the 1987 Census of Agriculture. Overall, respondents believed that, in the past 5 years, community services and facilities had remained the same or improved, but local economic conditions and job opportunities had become worse. Over 70% of respondents believed that the quality of schools and opportunities for adult education had improved or remained the same. About 40% reported that family finances and family quality of life had improved, with the highest percentages in Plains states. Proportions of operators and spouses reporting off-farm employment in 1988 were higher in Corn Belt and Lakes states than in Plains states. Thirty percent or more reported a high need for information and training on reducing production costs through low-input farming methods, using new technologies, and enhancing marketing skills. Other questions covered family adjustments to financial need, financial risk reduction behaviors, participation in government programs, family decision-making behavior, spouse involvement in farm operation, and spouse pressures and coping strategies. This report contains 20 data tables. (SV)