1. Farm Report The farm report is a list of prices for various items that the farmer was producing. He didnt know how much his crops would be worth until he read the farm report.

2. 1885 A serious lack of early spring rain almost destroyed the wheat, barley, and oat crops in central Nebraska. The prices paid for corn, beans, field peas, and tobacco are up because of drought east of the Mississippi River. Cattle prices are depressed because large herds of range stock are being sold in Texas. The price for sheep is up and the price paid for hogs is at an all time high.

3. 1885 Price Report Corn2 Beans3 Wheat1 Barley1 Oats1 Field Hay2 Tobacco2 Field Peas2 Cattle1 Sheep2 Hogs3

4. 1886 The coldest winter in history with temperatures of 60 below zero that killed off most cattle and hogs. Because of this sheep prices are high. Abundant spring and summer rains throughout the state produced excellent crops. The price of corn, wheat, barley, and oats is good and the price for tobacco and field peas remains the same. The bean crop has produced a small yield because of a late frost and field hay prices are depressed because of limited demand.

5. 1886 Price Report Corn2 Beans1 Wheat2 Barley2 Oats2 Field Hay1 Tobacco2 Field Peas2 Cattle0 Sheep3 Hogs0

6. 1887 Nature deals a crushing blow to farmers in Nebraska. After a hot, dry spring with little rain, a plague of grasshoppers infested the crops. Most crops are badly damaged. Cattle prices are very good, as the range herds have not yet recovered from the killing winter of 1886. Sheep prices are depressed, but hog prices are good.

7. 1887 Price Report Corn1 Beans2 Wheat2 Barley1 Oats1 Field Hay2 Tobacco1 Field Peas1 Cattle3 Sheep1 Hogs2

8. Birth of Populism 7.4

9. Financial Panic Nationwide economic depression. As the economy worsens, people rush to banks to withdraw money. Banks then call in loans in order to remain afloat. Many of these loans are for family farms under the Homestead Act

10. Tariffs To protect farmers, Congress enacts tariffs on foreign crops. Many countries enact tariffs of their own, driving down demand (and the overall price) for American crops worldwide

11. The Money Issue – Inflation vs. Deflation Inflation is an increase in the money supply, and decreases the value of money. Inflation helps debtors and sellers (Farmers). Deflation is a decrease in the money supply, and increases the value of money. Deflation helps lenders (Bankers).

12. All US currency used backed by specie. The Bimetallic Standard meant that we issued coinage in both gold and silver, keeping the money supply high (inflation)

13. Gold Standard - 1873 Congress put the US on the Gold Standard, decreasing the money supply This pleases financially conservative (Republican) Gold Bugs, and angers the Silverites (farmers, miners, debtors)

14. Farmers Fight (back)! Droughts, Floods, Blizzards, Panics, Tariffs, Deflation and the Gold Standard all hurt Farmers

15. The Grange – 1877 Formed to help farmers set up cooperatives

16. Farmers Alliances Raise less corn and more hell!

17. Farmers Alliances Help farmers fight the railroad and set up state agricultural commissions

18. The Populists The farmers movement culminates in the formation of the Populist Party. Composed of: Members of the Grange and Farmers Alliances, mining interests, debtors, Silverites, black and white farmers and some Democrats

19. Populist Party Platform 1.Increased Circulation of money 2.Unlimited minting of silver 3.Progressive income tax 4.Government ownership of communication and transportation systems Oliver H. Kelley

20. Nominate William Jennings Bryan for President. Bryan barnstorms the country campaigning for president and delivering speeches.

21. Cross of Gold –Incredibly popular speech –Made it for years afterwards

22. Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.

23. Election of 1896 Bryan carries Southern and Western states, but loses more heavily populated Eastern industrial centers. Bryan loses the election and the Populist movement declines in the coming years, but their effect continues as Populists join the Progressive Movement.