This past September, entertainers Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young hosted their 41st Farm Aid concert. As I thought about the first Farm Aid in 1985, I recalled what it was like being an ag journalist during the 1980s economic depression, and what a struggle it was for me to try to objectively tell the story of what was happening.
As a journalist, I wanted to report why some farmers were failing and others were not. Had some been extended credit when they shouldn’t have been, only to have the lender now claim it was the farmer’s fault for not being able to repay? I needed to tell the stories of those who said quitting was the best thing they ever did and those for whom quitting was impossible to deal with. As a broadcast journalist, I had to find people willing to talk publicly. Most, understandably, were reluctant.
I recall visiting with a farmer – a good farmer – who was struggling, but surviving. I mentioned a neighbor of his who was losing the farm. The farmer said, “Yeah, he sits in the bar too much.” But then, maybe the farmer in jeopardy spent too much time in the bar because he was simply overwhelmed by what was happening and was unable to handle it. Where did the truth lie? As a journalist, I wanted to know the truth, so my reporting would accurately reflect what was really happening out in the country.
I recall going to a farm auction. I didn’t know the circumstances, if it was poor management, bad luck or bad advice, but I felt bad for the farmer whose sale it was. He agreed to do an interview, and he had tears in his eyes at one point during the interview. While my mind said, “This is great television,” my heart said we were invading this man’s privacy and somehow capitalizing on his vulnerability and misfortune.
Another thing I wrestled with was how much airtime should be devoted to the farmers’ plight. It was such a big deal, impacting many people, multifaceted and it lasted for years. I could have done stories every day about the farm economy and its impact on people. But I remember stopping at a store and the woman cashier said, “You’re Al Gustin, aren’t you?” Then she added, “I don’t watch your program anymore. It’s too depressing.” It was for me, too – difficult and depressing.
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Al Gustin is a retired farm broadcaster, active rancher and a member of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative.
