Defenders of the American Farmer

Angela Hellbaum, Patrick Jacobsen, Casey Degabain

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“Thomas Jefferson believed that the independent, self-reliant farmer was the backbone for democratic American society,” (Torgerson, 1997, p1). Preceding him in this belief were the 60,000 homestead families who settled the American frontier over 100 years ago. These settlers formed the earliest farm and ranch communities, and to them, farming was considered more than a profession. It was a way of life. (Special Report, 2007, p.3).

Agriculture continues to be valued today. As the small family owned farms are declining a modernized attempt at its preservation has developed. Many of the premises of this defense are centered on Jefferson’s value of agrarian societies. This is evident through legislation like the farm bill, Willie Nelson’s establishment of farm aid, and well as in the recent technological and genetic advancements. We will first look at the supporters of American Agriculture through a historical lens of the pioneers and Thomas Jefferson, and then proceed to more modern view point highlighting some of the accomplishments in favor or American agriculture today. The deep grooved ruts of the Oregon Trail are a physical reminder of our countries pioneer settlement and agricultural beginnings. Marcus Whitman led one of the first major migrations from Missouri to Oregon. This migration included 100 wagons and 500 head of cattle and led the way for many who came after him. These pioneers were able to settle the American Midwest due to the Congressional Law titled The Homestead Act. This law, implemented in 1862, stated that each settling family had rights to 160 acres of land. For a settler to obtain this acreage they had to be 21 years of age, be the head of family, and improve the land’s condition over the course of 5 years. This law continued until 1976, and throughout it’s enactment, over 50,000 families claimed their own homestead land settlement (Special Report, 2007, p3). These homestead settlers were plagued with drought, dust storms, and locusts through the late 1800’s. When the third President of the U.S. took office things started looking more optimistic for the farming community. Thomas Jefferson’s attitude encouraged the American farmers. (Special Report, 2007, p3)(Torgerson, 1997, p1). Jefferson felt that . . .

“people who worked closely with nature on a day-to-day basis in independently run farm operations developed a value system and knowledge base that contributed greatly to the strength of the nation’s economy and the character of it’s people,” (Special Report, 2007, p1).

According to Torgerson (1997) p.1, opinion polls continue to indicate that the public holds a positive attitude toward farmers. This is not to say however that the farming situation is similar today as it was 100 years ago. There are many changes taking place in today’s farm and ranch communities, and that change is theme around the reduction of independent farm operations. Currently less than 2% of the population worldwide is involved in agriculture, and only 600,000 of those operations are responsible for the vast majority of the outputs (Torgerson, R., 1997, p1). This has been due to the fact that the small family farm is unable to compete with the large agribusiness corporations. It is this change that has brought about the most recent legislation and defense for the independent American farmer.

These changes and have been a result of science based technological advancements. Many of these farming technologies have been highly disputed. Despite these controversies however genetically modified organisms have proven to be economically beneficial. They have allowed for a more rapid, a more economical, and a more accurate production. Through the transplantation of individual genes, we are now able to create organisms with desirable traits and resistances. The United States and Canada are currently the leaders of this practice producing over 60% of transgenic crops worldwide (Raney,T.,Pingali,P.,R.,T.,&P.,P., 2007, p1). Another defense of these transgenic crops is that they reduce many of the environmental disturbances that are caused by intensive agriculture. Crops that are herbicide-tolerant usually require no till or low till cropping practices which reduce erosion (Raney,T. et al,2007, p1). The technologies utilized for these crops also increased agricultural productivity as a whole. Food prices have lowered in the U.S. because of this, living standards have improved, and the sustainable economic growth has lifted millions of people out of poverty (Raney,T. et al, 2007, p3).

Even though there are many obvious advantages that have developed through the modernization of American agriculture, contradictory opinions still exist. Many of the discriminations that arise are due to the misunderstanding from the public about fundamental agricultural practices. Farmers take huge amounts of financial risks each year deducting thousands of dollars in operating loans with no guarantee of an income. This is why they have been referred to the biggest gamblers outside of Las Vegas. They may make $100,000 in a year, or they may end up with great amounts of debt. When asked why farmers would take such a great risk Wright, K. (2006) p1 says:

“No one makes him do this for a living. The farmer is like the men and women serving in the military. They love their families and their country and are willing to sacrifice. Farmers love the land, their country, and are proud to help feed their fellow Americans at a price cheaper than in any other country.”

Many people are unaware of these facts and believe that farmers are only capitalizing on hefty government subsidies. To compete with the large agribusinesses however, farmers need support from somewhere (Peterson, C., n.d.,p1). The funding provided by the farm bill and Willie Nelson’s farm aid are essential for the survival of the independent farmer. Without having these systems in place, larger agribusinesses would eventually wipe out individual farms and this corporate control of agriculture would cause food prices to rise nation wide (Peterson,C., n.d., p1).

Since it’s beginning, farming in the U.S. has fed and clothed our nation as well as many others. Farming practices have evolved with new technologies, and shifted to fewer operations controlling larger amounts of land. While many of these technologies have been highly stigmatized and controversial, their economic and financial efficiencies have lowered the cost of food for all Americans. Thomas Jefferson and the early pioneer homesteaders believed in farming as a way of life. They believed in the value and character that is brought about by working with nature on a daily basis. While some of these views are still held today, there are many misunderstandings from the population about farming practices. American agriculture will continue to change in response to competing world market. This will not likely hold an optimistic future for the small independent American farmers. But as we have seen in the past, people will come to the defense of the American farmer to preserve what is considered by many, a valued way of life.

Literature Review

Peterson, C. (n.d.). ‘Good deal for all Americans’. USA Today, Retrieved October 30, 2007 from Academic Search Premier database.

Raney, T., Pingali, P.,T., & P. (2007) Sowing A Gene Revolution. Scientific American, 297(3), 104-111. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.

Special Report: Celebrating 400 Years of Pioneer Spirit—from Jamestown to the Wild West. (2007) Curriculum Review, Retrieved October 30, 2007 from Academic Serach Premier database.

Torgerson, R. (1997). Jeffersonian democracy and the role of cooperatives. Rural Cooperatives 64(3), 2. Retrieved October 30, 2007 from Academic Search Premier database.

Wright, K. (2006). Family farm needs better understanding from the public. Southwest Farm Press, 33(24), 26-26. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.