As a kid I heard the stories told at the kitchen table from my uncle, aunts and parents of the 30 when they were young starting out either farming or what ever. Good memories but also tuff times for all.
Growing up in the 50 and 60 on a farm I remember some of that. Always remember when my dad had a 92 massey and we had a 48 IHC ton and half and it is still on the farm with 25000 miles but he told me to just park it in the corner as it will take most of the day to get a hopper full in the combine due to the rust. Told me to go home then and do some other things.
Remember 1973 when durum hit as high as 8-10/bushel and a 4430 new was around 12000 or about 1500 bushels.
The 80 with 20 plus interest rates did a lot of farmers and ranchers in.
Farmers Home would write off and then refinance some about every two years.
Also remember my first beer as a teenager and getting sick on three cans. It just would not quit turning in the brain but did manage to drive my 57 Mercury home. Hitting the bed the brain took off again. My first car at age 12, a 52 super buick for 50 dollars and sold for 25 dollars. The 426 Plymouth, my buddy 442 and airport road.
Ah the first kiss and then to dumb to know what else to do.
Memories are great and it has been good no matter what, farming, ranching or not. We all have had our fair share of the good things and not one has it any better or worse than most. A father telling his story of the grandkids calling for help as the fire came in. No, so far it has been good for me. db