Post-Traumatic Financial Disorder on the Farm

Our team was on a call with a farmer the other day who was struggling with something we’ve seen time and time again—a condition I’d call Post-Traumatic Financial Disorder (PTFD). While not an official diagnosis, it’s a very real challenge that affects countless farmers who have endured devastating financial setbacks.

This particular farmer had gone through a traumatic financial experience years ago, and you could hear the fear in his voice. He had developed a scarcity mindset—an overwhelming fear of making changes or taking risks—because he was terrified of losing everything again. Rather than focusing on growth, he was stuck in protection mode, doing everything possible to prevent another financial disaster.

I recognized this immediately because I’ve seen it firsthand. My parents went through the same thing. Even decades later, you can still hear the hesitation in their voices whenever money and finances come up. Those past experiences don’t just disappear; they shape decision-making for years to come.

The Impact of Financial Trauma

When a farmer goes through a severe financial downturn—whether it’s due to market crashes, bad investments, or uncontrollable external factors—the effects don’t just fade away. The fear and uncertainty can linger, leading to hesitation, avoidance, and a reluctance to make necessary changes in the operation.

Staying in protection mode for too long can be just as dangerous as making reckless financial decisions. Farming is an evolving industry, and refusing to adapt due to past experiences can leave your operation stagnant—or worse, in decline.

The Solution: Knowing Your Numbers

Through years of working with farmers who have experienced financial trauma, we’ve found that the secret to breaking free from this mindset is understanding your numbers at a detailed level.

Having clear financial structure and organization gives you the confidence, clarity, and certainty needed to make informed decisions. When you know exactly where your operation stands—what’s profitable, what’s not, and where you need to adjust—you regain control over your future.

Instead of operating from fear, you can move forward with confidence. Instead of avoiding risks altogether, you can take calculated risks that align with your farm’s financial health. This is the shift that allows farmers to move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Moving Forward

If you’ve found yourself stuck in a cycle of financial fear, you’re not alone. Many farmers have been where you are. But staying in that mindset won’t protect your farm—it will only hold you back.

The first step toward growth is understanding your operation’s financials on a deeper level. Once you have that clarity, you’ll no longer make decisions out of fear. Instead, you’ll make them from a place of knowledge, strategy, and confidence.

If you’re ready to take control of your farm’s future, start by getting your numbers in order. It’s the key to breaking free from the past and setting your farm up for long-term success.