June - Are You a Betting Man?

The cost of farming has always been high and has only exploded with inflation.  There are the constants of seed, feed, chemicals, and fuel – the overhanging debt of land leases and the unforeseen bills of equipment maintenance and repairs. Almost all farmers take out yearly loans, betting on the hope that their harvest profits can pay the debts.  Everybody knows somebody who’s had a bad year and got “upside down” in their borrowing.  This “gamble” can greatly affect a farmer’s mental health.