Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing
Food
Half of America’s two million farms made less than $300 in 2019. Between rising land
costs, ever-more expensive equipment, the growing uncertainty of the climate, and few
options for health care, farming today is a risky business. For many, simply staying
afloat is a constant struggle.
Bet the Farm chronicles this struggle through Beth’s eyes as a beginning farmer. She
must contend with her father-in-law, who is reluctant to hand over control of the land.
Growing oats is good for the environment but ends up being very bad for the wallet. And
finding somewhere, in the midst of COVID-19, to slaughter grass-finished beef is a
nightmare. The couple also must balance the books, hoping that farming isn’t a
romantic fantasy that takes every cent of their savings.
Even with a decent nest egg and access to land, making ends meet at times seems
impossible. And Beth knows full well that she is among the privileged. If Beth can’t
make it, how can farmers who confront racism, lack access to land, or don’t have other
jobs to fall back on? Bet the Farm is a first-hand account of the perils of farming today
and a personal exploration of more just and sustainable ways of producing food.