Numerous pitfalls are lurking for the unsuspecting person. Crop production varies widely because of weather conditions. Prices farmers receive for livestock and crops often drop to disastrously low levels. And, because farmers are now buying more of the inputs used in farming, farm costs have increased rapidly. Large annual cash outlays are required to grow crops or to raise livestock.
Farm income varies widely from year to year.
The knowledge, skills and time required to produce high yields of quality farm products are very exacting. Rural families must pay more for many products and services than urban dwellers must pay. Living and working on a farm requires hard work and determination. You must be able to bounce back from adversities of nature and economic conditions beyond your control. Historically, returns to farming have been below most other businesses.