Surviving Challenges on the Farm

We all face various times on our farms that seem to shake our confidence and rattle our profitability.

 

With so many farmers around the world facing different challenges on their farms; we took the question of “How to survive tough times on the farm” to our Facebook community.

 

 

“Stick together... help your neighbour... and don't think that you are in this boat alone. Share what you have and somehow it multiplies.” - FarmOn community member

 

With today’s technology it is easier than ever to connect with other farmers. Online communities such as our own FarmOn website and Farmz in Australia allow for people in agriculture to support one another from all areas of the world.

 

“Wealth doesn't mean money. It's about how you live your life and those you have in it. I guess that's why we still have farmers.” - FarmOn community member

 

It may be that we can gain strength and understanding for surviving hard times by looking to the past. The Great Depression is an excellent example of how farm families survived by working together and making the most of what they had:

 

“The Great Depression changed the lives of people who lived and farmed on the Great Plains and in turn, changed America. The government programs that helped them to live through the 1930s changed the future of agriculture forever. Weather touched every part of life in the "Dirty 30s": dust, insects, summer heat and winter cold. York County farm families didn't have heat, light or indoor bathrooms like people who lived in town. Many farm families raised most of their own food – eggs and chickens, milk and beef from their own cows, and vegetables from their gardens.

People who grew up during the Depression said, "No one had any money. We were all in the same boat." Neighbors helped each other through hard times, sickness, and accidents. Farm families got together with neighbors at school programs, church dinners, or dances. Children and adults found ways to have fun for free – playing board games, listening to the radio, or going to outdoor movies in town.” - Wessels Living History Farm

 

How do you get through challenging times? Are you there to help a neighbour in need? Would you be willing to trade your own resources to better your own farming community?

 

As always our facilitator Jen Jenkins is always available for one on one support to assist you in finding the resources you need to achieve your dreams. Along with this we welcome your own questions or thoughts for our weekly Facebook chats which are held every Monday. Just email Jen Jenkins at jen.jenkins@farmon.com, and don’t worry – we promise not to disclose your name or personal details!