Why so much standing water on the farm?

I thought it was strange that one cow was penned in a building in ankle deep water, then I saw the scene with the tractor where the water was chest high. What gives? That whole farm was a breeding ground for mildew and rot. Granted, I'm not familiar with Irish cow farms but that can't be normal... so what was the point? To show how destitute the farmer guy was? I certainly wouldn't buy milk or beef from him.