There’s a little bit of “barn red” in my blood so I can relate to most of the shows.
As a child I spent a few years on a cotton farm in Oklahoma and then, after my husband was discharged from the army, we did old-fashioned farming in Minnesota. We had a small herd of milk cows and hogs, and we grew corn, soybeans, oats and hay.
Over the years as I watched the farm shows, I have noticed many changes. For years the trends were to have bigger farms and more expensive operations. Tractors and other equipment got bigger and bigger and, of course, more costly. It was nothing for a new tractor to cost as much as $75,000.
Over the years as I watched the farm shows, I have noticed many changes. For years the trends were to have bigger farms and more expensive operations. Tractors and other equipment got bigger and bigger and, of course, more costly. It was nothing for a new tractor to cost as much as $75,000.
I watched as equipment got more complicated, as it was showcased on television. And in some cases, seeds were no longer sold by the bushel, but by the kernel. My mind could hardly wrap itself around that.
Watching this, I remember why we left the farm. We came to realize that we had to get really big and really in debt or do something different. We chose to get my husband back in school to complete the education he had started before he was to be drafted into the army.
But recently, however, I notice a new trend on the farm shows. There are stories creeping in that tell about small farms and small equipment. In the past, there were corn planters that planted 32 rows at a time and farmers who ran 5,000 acres or more. This was something I found unbelievable.
On a recent show, the hosts were visiting a farm implement show in Kentucky and they showed a new John Deere tractor. I could hardly believe that it was about the size of one we had many years ago. The announcer showed an eight-row corn planter hitched to the rear and said this was being made for the “small farmer.”
I was ready to return to the farm!
In our day, even an eight-row planter was a big piece of equipment, but it seems awfully small today. The small tractor was a very popular exhibit at the farm implement show. I would think it engineered a few sales. Other equipment brands had a few other small pieces of equipment.
I think that was a good sign.
Often, as we drive through the country, I stare out the car window and look at the land, all the crops, animals and buildings that still stand. I admire the cattle, goats and other animals. I love watching the farmer cut, rake and bale his hay. I love seeing rain fall when there have been a few weeks without water on pastures and other crops. The rain makes me happy.
I wonder if downsizing is becoming a trend on the farm. We have relatives up north who farm many acres and have huge equipment. They are very hard working and very successful yet they often seem unable to catch their breathes. Although they are happy and have a great life, I wish they didn’t have to work so long and hard.
Just between you and me, sometimes small is better.
(Kay Hively is a historian, author, and former editor, reporter and columnist for the Neosho Daily News and Neosho Post.)
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