I live on a generational farm that has been in operation since the 1600s. EVERY generation the stewards have done something: buy more land, equipment, build structures, invest in efficiency systems, that laid debt upon the next generation. https://twitter.com/PeterMacKay/status/1308944460953399296

While many farms refused to upgrade to keep up with the times and failed in this or that generation, ours is one of the ones that survived and thrived. And has never, not since the 1800s been "debt free".

In the past three years we've been undergoing a massive greening.

Converting from grid energy to our own (we use a lot of energy) was just the start, but cost a lot that won't pay back in my lifetime. As we start to convert equipment to more sustainable models, we're spending more.

This debt, in total, will be 1.25 X the value of our holdings.

Here's the thing. The farm keeps working. As it gets more efficient we get a better return. Every year we pay down or add on debt as required to not "undo" our previous investments. Every year it makes money. Every year it services debt.

No-one ever thinks, "we must be debt free or our grandchildren will pay for this!" because all the grandchildren understand basic sustainability economics. We taught them. You know. Because it seemed wise.

Our farm exists because we don't have silly notions about debt.

I suspect your family farm would be a subdivision by now if you ran it with these philosophies.

A country is not a farm, of course, but I'd be hard pressed to single out a truly significant difference in the economic realities of all such generational endeavours.

Fear mongering about debt is dangerous and plays upon the general ignorance of a population that thinks of debt like credit cards and 15 year mortgages.

We brought in the corn this year with equipment my grandfather bought. Some of which is technically not paid for yet.

Maybe the reason farms all over this country can't survive is they're too conservative?