The value of cash crops influenced Southern farmers decision to use slaves because of the cost of slaves. During the 18th and first half of the 19th century, slaves were considered property. This meant that they could be bought and sold. With this mind, it was cheaper to buy and own slaves in comparison to using another type of labor system like indentured servitude. This is because indentured servants were only worked for the farm owner for 4-7 years. Whereas in slaves could be kept indefinitely.