The Farming Game (1979) Board Game

The Farming Game was first released in 1979 by the Weekend Farmer Company. It is a classic board game that simulates the ups and downs of farming life. Players take on the role of farmers, buying and selling crops, managing their farms, and dealing with unexpected events like droughts and market fluctuations.

Game Components of The Farming Game

Game board representing 49 weeks of the year

Dice for movement

Operating Expense cards (e.g., “Pay $500 for Irrigation”)

Farmer’s Fate cards (e.g., drought, Mt. St. Helens eruption)

O.T.B. (Option to Buy) cards for purchasing crops

Crop and livestock tokens (hay, grain, fruit, cattle)

Money and debt tracking system

Player tokens and character cards

How To Setup The Farming Game

Players start with 20 acres of inherited farmland and $5,000 in debt. Each player also has a town job that brings in $5,000 annually, which can be invested into the farm. The board is divided into sections representing different weeks of the year, grouped by harvest seasons. Players place their tokens on the starting space, and each player receives initial funds and land.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Roll-and-move, resource management, debt management, and chance events.

Game Objective: The first player to expand their farm to $250,000 in net assets, allowing them to quit their town job without going bankrupt, wins.

Gameplay:
– Players roll a die to move around the board.
– Harvest crops and livestock based on the season and their owned acreage.
– Draw Operating Expense cards after harvesting.
– Encounter Farmer’s Fate cards that can significantly impact gameplay.
– Borrow up to $50,000 from the bank and lease grazing pastures.
– Purchase new land and crops using O.T.B. cards.

Player Experience

The Farming Game is known for its brutal yet realistic portrayal of farming challenges. Players often find themselves on the edge of bankruptcy, managing debts, and dealing with unpredictable events like crop failures or natural disasters. Despite the difficulties, the game fosters a sense of camaraderie among players as they all face similar hardships. It’s often described as the “Dark Souls of board games” due to its high level of challenge and potential for financial ruin.

Pros

Realistic Farming Experience: Reflects the true risks and gambles of farming.

High Replayability: Chance events and variable harvests ensure no two games are the same.

Educational: Used in schools to teach about farm economics and capitalism.

Social Interaction: Encourages deals and collaborations among players.

Cons

Complex Math: Requires frequent calculations, which can be janky.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last up to 120 minutes.

High Chance Element: Can be frustrating due to the high impact of random events.

Limited Player Interaction: Players’ actions do not directly affect each other, similar to Yahtzee.

Personal Thoughts on The Farming Game

The Farming Game is ideal for those who enjoy challenging and realistic simulations. It’s perfect for families with older children (ages 10 and up) and adults who appreciate the intricacies of farm economics. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking light-hearted fun, it offers a unique and engaging experience that captures the essence of farming’s highs and lows. If you’re ready to face the harsh realities of agricultural life in a fun and immersive way, The Farming Game is an excellent addition to your game night.

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