Which economic indicator would have been seen as a sign of distress among farmers during the early 1930s?

During the early 1930s, particularly in the wake of the Great Depression, many farmers experienced severe economic hardships. A key indicator of this distress was the sharp decline in farm income. As prices for crops and livestock fell sharply due to overproduction and reduced demand, farmers struggled to make ends meet. The agricultural sector was particularly vulnerable, as many farmers were already facing difficulties from the economic downturn, with many unable to cover their debts or fulfill basic living expenses.

In contrast, high levels of agricultural exports or increased demand for agricultural products would have indicated a healthy agricultural economy, helping to stabilize incomes. Likewise, the stabilization of crop prices would have alleviated the financial pressures faced by farmers, allowing them to sustain their livelihoods. Thus, the decline in farm income during this period directly reflects the broader economic struggles that characterized the agrarian landscape of the early 1930s.