Farmers' Holiday Association Facts for Kids

The Farmers' Holiday Association was a group of farmers in the Midwestern United States during the Great Depression. They decided to stop selling their farm products to try and get better prices. It was like they were taking a "holiday" from farming. Milo Reno started the group in May 1932. Their main idea was "Stay at Home-Buy Nothing-Sell Nothing." They also had a catchy slogan: "Let's call a Farmer's Holiday, a Holiday let's hold. We'll eat our wheat and ham and eggs, And let them eat their gold."

What Was the Farmers' Holiday Association?
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What Was the Farmers' Holiday Association?

The Farmers' Holiday Association was a movement created by farmers. They wanted to make a big change during a very tough time. Their goal was to force prices for their crops and livestock to go up. They believed that if farmers stopped selling, people would have to pay more.

Why Farmers Needed a "Holiday"

The Great Depression was a time when many people lost their jobs and money. Farmers were hit very hard. The prices for their crops and animals dropped incredibly low. Many farmers couldn't earn enough money to pay their bills or keep their farms. They faced losing their homes and land through something called foreclosure. This meant the bank would take their farm away if they couldn't pay their loans.

How Farmers Protested

Farmers in the association took strong actions to make their voices heard. They wanted to show how serious the situation was. They hoped their protests would make the government or buyers offer fairer prices.

Blocking Roads and Produce

One way farmers protested was by blocking roads. They stopped trucks carrying farm products from reaching cities like Sioux City and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Sometimes, they even dumped milk, corn, or other produce on the side of the road. This was to reduce the amount of food available. Less food meant prices might go up.

Standing Up to Foreclosures

Farmers also protested against foreclosures. They were very upset when judges approved the taking of farms. In one famous event in Le Mars, Iowa, farmers protested a judge who was allowing many foreclosures. They wanted him to stop taking away farms.

What Happened to the Movement?

The Farmers' Holiday Association was very active for a few years. Their protests brought a lot of attention to the struggles of farmers. However, by 1934, the activities of the group began to slow down. The movement eventually faded as new government programs were put in place to help farmers.

Farmers' Holiday Association facts for kids

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