- Economic hardships: The late 1800s was a period of economic depression in the United States, and farmers were particularly hard hit. Prices for agricultural goods were low, while the cost of transportation and other inputs was high. Many farmers were forced to take on debt, which could be difficult to repay.
- Weather conditions: Farmers were also at the mercy of the weather. Droughts, floods, and other natural disasters could damage or destroy crops, leading to financial losses.
- Pests and diseases: In the 1880s, farmers also had to contend with a variety of pests and diseases that could damage their crops. These included insects such as the boll weevil, which destroyed cotton crops, and diseases such as wheat rust, which could devastate wheat fields.
- Insects: Insects, such as the grasshopper and the boll weevil, could ravage crops and destroy livelihoods.
- Technological challenges: Farmers in the 1880s did not have access to many of the technologies that are now taken for granted, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and pesticides. This made it more difficult for them to produce crops efficiently.
-Exploitation by railroads and other businesses: Railroads and other businesses often took advantage of farmers by charging high prices for transportation and other services. This made it difficult for farmers to make a profit.
-Isolation: Many farmers lived in rural areas and had limited access to education, healthcare, and other services. This could make it difficult to cope with the challenges they faced.
Despite these challenges, many farmers in the 1880s were able to survive and even thrive. They did this by working hard, adapting to changing conditions, and taking advantage of new opportunities.