Farmers face both real competition, such as bidding for the same land, and normal human competition of trying to outdo a neighbour. Some of these competitive urges can be beneficial, as the desire to outdo the other makes for greater productivity. But competitive feelings left unchecked can lead to maliciousness, divided communities and over extension. Survival in agriculture is not necessarily determined by the efficiency, the size, or even the management of a farm unit. Farm families need to determine if they are really competing against each other, or if they are competing against factors beyond their individual control.
Cooperation is a much more satisfactory way to relieve the stresses of modern farming.
Cooperation has proven to be the only way that some rural services can be provided. In addition, cooperation has also demonstrated itself as a useful economic avenue by which farmers can as a group more effectively cope with the conditions beyond their individual control. Often, we just imagine this, when in reality others are eager for us to make the first move. This kind of neglected feeling may afflict in particular a young bride new to a farming community. If local conversations center on homemaking techniques or people she doesn't know, the bride may feel she will never fit in.