The Farming Game
- Designer George Rohrbacher
- Publisher Weekend Farmer Company
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In The Farming Game, you develop a part-time farm by planting crops like wheat, hay, and cherries, and leasing grazing rights for cattle. Each harvest season brings price fluctuations and unexpected costs such as fertilizer and equipment breakdowns. The goal is to be the first player to reach a net worth of $250,000 and become a full-time farmer. The game realistically reflects the economic difficulties of farming, combining commodity speculation with luck from dice rolls.
Who Is This Game For?
The game is suitable for players aged 10 and up who are interested in economic simulations and farming. It is a medium-complexity game with a duration of about 120 minutes, ideal for those willing to engage in strategic planning and risk management. Prior experience with economic board games can be helpful but is not required.
How It Works
The Farming Game uses Commodity Speculation and Roll / Spin and Move mechanics. Players move their pieces around the board to plant crops and acquire resources. Market prices fluctuate each round due to random events affecting the value of commodities. You build your economy by managing fields, leasing cattle grazing rights, and hoping for favorable market conditions to grow your net worth and win.
What Makes It Special
Designed by George Rohrbacher, a Washington rancher, The Farming Game was published in 1979 and belongs to the Circuit-Based Trading Games family. It stands out for its realistic simulation of farming economics, combining strategy with chance through dice rolls. This makes it a classic example of economic simulation in board gaming.
Pro
- Realistic simulation of agricultural economics
- Strategic depth through commodity speculation
- Roll / Spin and Move mechanic adds randomness
- Supports 2 to 6 players aged 10+
Contra
- Relatively long playtime of about 120 minutes
- No solo mode available
- Complexity requires patience and interest in economic topics
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the economic context of a small farm, inspired by real farms in the Yakima Valley, Washington. It highlights the challenges and risks of farming through economic simulation.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on managing your resources wisely and adapt flexibly to market fluctuations to succeed in the long run.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Farming Game is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 120 minutes, depending on the number of players.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with economic board games is helpful due to moderate complexity.
How does this compare to similar games?
The Farming Game uniquely combines realistic farming economics with Commodity Speculation and Roll / Spin and Move mechanics. It belongs to the Circuit-Based Trading Games family and emphasizes economic realism.
Is this suitable for families?
While suitable from age 10, it is better suited for players interested in strategic economic simulations rather than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Commodity Speculation and Roll / Spin and Move delivers a balance of strategy and chance.
Fazit
The Farming Game is recommended for players who enjoy complex, realistic farming themes and have about two hours to play. It is less suitable for those looking for quick, light games.
