What solution did farmers develop in the 19th century to manage their debts?

In the 19th century, many farmers faced significant financial challenges, particularly due to fluctuating crop prices, natural disasters, and the high costs of equipment and land. To manage their debts, a prevalent solution was to mortgage their land based on the anticipated yields from future crops. This practice allowed them to secure loans necessary for operating costs, such as purchasing seeds, equipment, and paying for labor. By using their land as collateral for these loans, they could obtain the financial assistance needed to sustain their farming operations while hoping for a successful harvest that would allow them to repay their debts.

This strategy was common in agricultural communities where capital was scarce, and it reflected the reliance on credit systems that were often precarious due to the uncertainties of farming. While other options were pursued by some farmers, such as forming cooperatives or seeking government support, mortgaging land on future crop yields was a direct and practical response to the immediate financial pressures they faced.