George and Anne Rohrbacher, farmers and co-creators of 'The Farming Game,' share their inspiring journey from the brink of losing everything during the 1970s farm crisis to channeling their experiences into a board game. They delve into how their love story intertwines with farming, reflecting themes of resilience and sustainability. The podcast highlights the challenges faced by farmers, the creation process of their game, and the profound life lessons embedded in gameplay, showcasing how games can bridge personal struggles with broader societal issues.
The farming game became a tool for advocacy and education, teaching players about the realities of farming and the disappearing family farm.
The creators of the farming game faced challenges in manufacturing and supply chain management, but their perseverance led to a successful production of 10,000 games, attracting attention from farm magazines and educational programs.
The farming game reflects the cyclical nature of farming and the unpredictability of life, providing relief, understanding, and valuable lessons for farming families facing adversity.
Deep dives
The Birth of the Farming Game
The podcast episode tells the story of George and Ann, a couple who invented a board game called the farming game. The game reflects the challenges and experiences of being a farmer, and it became a surprising success during the farm crisis of the 1980s. The couple's own farm faced financial difficulties, but the game's popularity helped them save their farm. It became a tool for advocacy and education, teaching players about the realities of farming. The game's legacy extends beyond entertainment, providing a glimpse into the disappearing family farm and the resilience of those who worked the land.
From Idea to Manufacture
George and Ann, the creators of the farming game, faced the challenge of manufacturing the game after its conception. They discovered that various components of the game needed to be produced by different specialists. They worked hard to piece together the supply chain and eventually managed to order a run of 10,000 games. The game's educational value and accurate portrayal of farming life attracted attention from farm magazines and educational programs. The game's popularity grew, especially during times of agricultural crisis, providing relief and understanding to players who could relate to the challenges depicted in the game.
A Game of Chance and Resilience
The farming game mirrors the cyclical nature of farming and the unpredictability of life itself. It requires players to balance optimism and preparedness, reflecting the mindset of farmers who must plant seeds with optimism despite uncertain conditions. The game's success during times of crisis demonstrated how it provided laughter, relief, and camaraderie for farming families facing adversity. Through educational programs and their own experiences, George and Ann witnessed the game's ability to teach valuable lessons about farming economics and the social aspects of the industry. The farming game turned out to be a lasting chronicle of disappearing farming practices and a source of comfort and understanding for those who played it.
The Legacy of the Farming Game
The farming game holds a special place in the hearts of many small business owners and farmers. It became a symbol of the American dream, embodying the perseverance, hard work, and optimism that farmers needed to survive. The game's popularity extended beyond entertainment, serving as an educational tool in classrooms and advocacy initiatives. It cultivated a sense of community among players who faced similar challenges and allowed them to discuss and understand the complexities of the farming world. The legacy of the farming game embraces the disappearing family farm and serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those involved.
The Intersection of Game and Life
Playing the farming game brought together people from various backgrounds to experience the trials and triumphs of rural life. The game's ability to teach valuable agricultural lessons, create connections, and generate empathy showed the power of board games as a medium. It provided a space where players could experience the joys and hardships of farming, offering insights into the uncertain world of farming and fostering a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by farmers. The intersection of game and life within the farming game united players and shed light on an often overlooked way of life.
A young family nearly lost everything in the 1970s farm crisis. Then, they invented a board game. Today on the show, producer Ben Naddaff-Hafrey shares a story about how life shows up in games and what games teach us about risk, life, love, and in this case ... farming.
For more episodes like this, check out Pushkin’s The Last Archive podcast.
