====== The Lean Years ======
The MT&A managed to survive the 1920s and the great depression by the agricultural products of North Alabama, primarily cotton, but grain and livestock were also important.  The extended line to Belle Mina, and ability to deliver products to Decatur made the line a viable shipping solution.  Cotton was king in the south during this period and being able to grow and sell the cotton was life or death to southern, agricultural people.  The MT&A served the farmers by providing help with the transportation of their cotton, especially those that lived close to the line.  A sizable number of the farmers living along the line would bring their cotton to the railroad to ship to the gin in Jeff and then the gin would ship the cotton by rail to Decatur, where barges shipped to the cotton mills for production of thread and cloth.

By working with the local businesses, including the farmers, the MT&A was able to provide them with the services needed.  The MT&A was also useful for passenger traffic, providing a means for the people to travel to Fayetteville or Decatur on occasion for shopping.

The depression of the 1930s had an impact on the MT&A; however, the relationship between the MT&A and the communities that it served helped both to survive throughout the depression.  Agricultural products were the mainstay during these years, but everyone managed to work together.  However, passenger service dropped significantly during these years.  The MT&A had reduced passenger traffic to one day a week for Fayetteville and one day a week for Decatur.