There's no bank to pay off. Friday has farmed for 40 years, raising mint since 1962. He's seen a lot of ups and downs, and in particular has seen changes in the way companies relate to growers. Newcomers to company boards haven't seen a year without a glut of mint. They don't see the need for future contracting.
Personal loyalty is a thing of the past.
Friday will hold a farm sale in late February or early March. The house, most of its contents, his equipment and everything will go on the auction block. He hopes to sell his still intact. It was once used for much of the research on new industry developments, and was a favorite stop on many agricultural tours. He'll dismantle it for scrap if he can't find a buyer.