This is the return most everybody thinks of, but in many ways, it's the most artificial. Still, barring tax reasons to the contrary, profit is better than loss. Increasing cash flow. I'm referring to the cash left over to pay off debt, to use for expansion, or to distribute to owners. Many scarred and weathered farmers consider this the most real of the returns.
Cash is king, and does a lot for increasing our comfort level.
There also are two nonfinancial, more nebulous, but still important returns. A fulfilling career. I've never met a successful farmer or rancher who didn't love what he or she did. That's a powerful attraction to stay with a business, even one that's not providing the healthiest financial return. A wholesome, enjoyable lifestyle.