A Fantastic Macro Analysis
5 stars
This is an excellent macro-level examination of the changing nature of the agricultural sector in the midwestern US in the 20th century, with the authors reviewing everything from changes in farm operations to markets and the surrounding communities. The importance of regulation and government programs over the decades is emphasized throughout, as are the growing capital requirements brought on by technological change that optimized for large holding productivity. You won't get as much on the sociological side here besides a few anecdotes - for that I would recommend "A Revolution Down on the Farm" by Conkin, who also digs more into the precise technological disruptions over this period. Highly recommend
This is an excellent macro-level examination of the changing nature of the agricultural sector in the midwestern US in the 20th century, with the authors reviewing everything from changes in farm operations to markets and the surrounding communities. The importance of regulation and government programs over the decades is emphasized throughout, as are the growing capital requirements brought on by technological change that optimized for large holding productivity. You won't get as much on the sociological side here besides a few anecdotes - for that I would recommend "A Revolution Down on the Farm" by Conkin, who also digs more into the precise technological disruptions over this period. Highly recommend