Why was the crop lien system had for small farmers?

The crop lien system was detrimental for small farmers because it often trapped them in a cycle of debt. Farmers would borrow money for seeds and supplies against their future harvests, but if crops failed or prices dropped, they struggled to repay their loans. This system disproportionately affected poorer farmers, who had limited access to capital and resources, leading to a dependency on credit and a loss of land and autonomy over time. Ultimately, it reinforced economic inequality and reduced the financial stability of small farming operations.