Do American farmers have a responsibility to feed the world?
Are you concerned about competition from farmers outside of the US?
Do you think American farmers are the low-cost producers in the world?
Have you ever considered farming in another country? If so, why?
Have you ever been involved with an international agricultural development project? If not, how interested would you be if you had an all expenses paid opportunity?
Have you traveled outside of the US? If so, did you visit any farms on your trip(s)?
If so, briefly describe impressions.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Question 7 Results
Total Number of Submissions: 30
Interviewer accessed someone from within the farming community: 27/30
Didn't Specify Occupation: 3/30
Where do you obtain information about new agricultural practices, products or technologies?
Interviewee provided a response that referenced more than one source (e.g. other farmers and farm magazines): 21/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced other farmers, neighbors, or family members: 20/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced farm shows, seminars, expos, or conventions: 11/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced farm publications: 18/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced using the internet: 4/30
Interview provided a response that referenced seed dealers or representatives: 7/30
Interviewer accessed someone from within the farming community: 27/30
Didn't Specify Occupation: 3/30
Where do you obtain information about new agricultural practices, products or technologies?
Interviewee provided a response that referenced more than one source (e.g. other farmers and farm magazines): 21/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced other farmers, neighbors, or family members: 20/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced farm shows, seminars, expos, or conventions: 11/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced farm publications: 18/30
Interviewee provided a response that referenced using the internet: 4/30
Interview provided a response that referenced seed dealers or representatives: 7/30
Friday, October 23, 2009
Question 7
Where do you obtain information about new agricultural practices, products or technologies?
Are you concerned that some of the information is biased? Briefly explain.
Do you conduct on-farm experiments to evaluate practices/products/technologies? If so, briefly explain. (e.g., do you use replicated plots or collaborate with scientists or other farmers)
Why do you think farmers use so many products/technologies that are not recommended by university scientists?
Are you considering trying any new practices/products/technologies in 2010? If so, briefly explain. How did you learn about the practice/product/technology and why do you think it might be worth a try?
Are you concerned that some of the information is biased? Briefly explain.
Do you conduct on-farm experiments to evaluate practices/products/technologies? If so, briefly explain. (e.g., do you use replicated plots or collaborate with scientists or other farmers)
Why do you think farmers use so many products/technologies that are not recommended by university scientists?
Are you considering trying any new practices/products/technologies in 2010? If so, briefly explain. How did you learn about the practice/product/technology and why do you think it might be worth a try?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Question 6 Results
What do you think are the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today?
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer.
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals?
Results:
Total Number of Submissions: 38
Interviewer accessed someone from within the farming community: 19/38
Didn't Specify Occupation :6/38
Interviewee was male: 30/38
Interviewee was female: 3/38
Interviewer did not include interviewee's gender: 5/38
What do you think are the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today?:
Interviewee provided a response that referenced agriculture sustainability, GM crops, pesticides, or other chemicals used in agriculture: 12/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced food or food security: 6/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced the treatment of livestock: 5/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced the ethics of business practices: 7/38
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?:
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a positive view of farmers ethics: 22/38
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a negative view of farmer ethics: 6/38
Uncertain: 4/38
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer:
Farmers in the past were more ethical: 17/38
Farmers today are more ethical: 7/38
There hasn't been a change in the ethics of farmers: 4/38
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals? :
Business Restrictions:6/38
Education, Communication, Information: 5/38
Not sure/nothing 2/38
Some Highlights to the main question:
The use of pesticides and genetically modified seeds, on how they could eventually be bad for people.
I think the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today deal with the welfare of livestock. I personally do not see anything wrong with the way animals are handled typically. Yes there are some "inhumane" ways of treating animals, but for the most part farmers treat animals ethically. I can also see instances arises with runoff into streams, creeks, etc. when farmers spray.
The most ethical questions in agriculture today are questions about whether farmers are using strategies and tactics in their operation to benefit themselves or to benefit the community, environment, and economy.
There are a lot of ethical questions facing farmers today, but not all of them have answers. What types of sustainable practices should be used? Should GMO crops be used? As stated, some of these questions don't have answers because we are not truly sure of their effects.
One of the biggest issues when it comes to ethics in agriculture is the decline in small family farms. Many families that were once in farming are being forced out because of high prices in land.
To me, the most ethical questions facing agriculture would be trying to produce enough food to feed people, while still trying to leave a valuable piece of land for our future generations.
If we should be letting Monsanto or companies like that take over certain aspects of the industry.
Is it ethical to have only a few major companies processing all of the food consumed in the United States?
The biggest ethical questions in agriculture today involve farmers being conscious of conservation and animal welfare.
The most important thing today would be the future of our environment. How will farming practices today affect our environment and soil in the future.
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer.
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals?
Results:
Total Number of Submissions: 38
Interviewer accessed someone from within the farming community: 19/38
Didn't Specify Occupation :6/38
Interviewee was male: 30/38
Interviewee was female: 3/38
Interviewer did not include interviewee's gender: 5/38
What do you think are the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today?:
Interviewee provided a response that referenced agriculture sustainability, GM crops, pesticides, or other chemicals used in agriculture: 12/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced food or food security: 6/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced the treatment of livestock: 5/38
Interviewee provided a response that referenced the ethics of business practices: 7/38
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?:
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a positive view of farmers ethics: 22/38
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a negative view of farmer ethics: 6/38
Uncertain: 4/38
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer:
Farmers in the past were more ethical: 17/38
Farmers today are more ethical: 7/38
There hasn't been a change in the ethics of farmers: 4/38
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals? :
Business Restrictions:6/38
Education, Communication, Information: 5/38
Not sure/nothing 2/38
Some Highlights to the main question:
The use of pesticides and genetically modified seeds, on how they could eventually be bad for people.
I think the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today deal with the welfare of livestock. I personally do not see anything wrong with the way animals are handled typically. Yes there are some "inhumane" ways of treating animals, but for the most part farmers treat animals ethically. I can also see instances arises with runoff into streams, creeks, etc. when farmers spray.
The most ethical questions in agriculture today are questions about whether farmers are using strategies and tactics in their operation to benefit themselves or to benefit the community, environment, and economy.
There are a lot of ethical questions facing farmers today, but not all of them have answers. What types of sustainable practices should be used? Should GMO crops be used? As stated, some of these questions don't have answers because we are not truly sure of their effects.
One of the biggest issues when it comes to ethics in agriculture is the decline in small family farms. Many families that were once in farming are being forced out because of high prices in land.
To me, the most ethical questions facing agriculture would be trying to produce enough food to feed people, while still trying to leave a valuable piece of land for our future generations.
If we should be letting Monsanto or companies like that take over certain aspects of the industry.
Is it ethical to have only a few major companies processing all of the food consumed in the United States?
The biggest ethical questions in agriculture today involve farmers being conscious of conservation and animal welfare.
The most important thing today would be the future of our environment. How will farming practices today affect our environment and soil in the future.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Question 6
What do you think are the most important ethical questions facing agriculture today?
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer.
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals?
Secondary questions:
Do you think farmers are among the most ethical people in society?
Do you think farmers are less ethical today than they were a generation ago? Briefly explain your answer.
What (if anything) can be done to promote ethical actions/decision making by farmers and other agricultural professionals?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Question 5 Results
Total Number of Submissions: 28
Interviewee accessed someone from within the farming community: 16/28
Didn't Specify Occupation :4/28
Interviewee was male: 25/28
Interviewee was female: 2/28
Interviewer did not include biographical date:1/28
Average age of interviewees: 54
Interviewee provided a response that reflected an overall positive view of Organic Farming: 13/28
Interviewee provided a response that made reference to pesticides, herbicides or other synthetic materials:13/28
Interviewee provided a response that reflected an overall negative view of organic farming: 3/28
Interviewee responded by making a connection between organic farming and "old-fashhioned" farming or the way farming use to be: 3/28
Interviewee accessed someone from within the farming community: 16/28
Didn't Specify Occupation :4/28
Interviewee was male: 25/28
Interviewee was female: 2/28
Interviewer did not include biographical date:1/28
Average age of interviewees: 54
Interviewee provided a response that reflected an overall positive view of Organic Farming: 13/28
Interviewee provided a response that made reference to pesticides, herbicides or other synthetic materials:13/28
Interviewee provided a response that reflected an overall negative view of organic farming: 3/28
Interviewee responded by making a connection between organic farming and "old-fashhioned" farming or the way farming use to be: 3/28
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Question 5
What comes to mind when you hear the term "Organic agriculture"?
Secondary Questions:
Do you know any organic farmers? If so, please share a few impressions.
Have you ever been to an organic farm? If so, please share a few impressions.
How frequently (if ever) do you consume organic food?
Have you ever considered organic farming?
Secondary Questions:
Do you know any organic farmers? If so, please share a few impressions.
Have you ever been to an organic farm? If so, please share a few impressions.
How frequently (if ever) do you consume organic food?
Have you ever considered organic farming?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Question 4
Question 4:
How do you feel about the consolidation of Agriculture input companies?
Follow up Questions:
Do you think the market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence?
What (if anything) should be done to protect against excessive market concentration?
Total Number of Submissions: 18
Interviewee accessed someone from within the farming community: 11/18
Interviewee was male 15/18
Interviewer did not include biographical date: 3/18
Average age of interviewees: 42
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a positive view of the consolidation of Agriculture input companies:
4/18
Interviewee provided a response that reflected both positive and negative views of the consolidation of Agriculture companies:
8/18
Interviewee provided a response that was reflected a negative view of the consolidation of Agriculture input companies:
6/18
Interviewee said that market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence:
10/18
Interviewee said that market concentration does not have an impact:
1/18
Interviewee provided suggestions as to what should be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
6/18
Interviewee was uncertain about what should be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
3/18
Interviewee responded that nothing could be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
2/18
Some highlights:
How do you feel about the consolidation of Agriculture input companies?
"It's not good because it is cutting down on competition and raises the prices for the farmer."
"There's a lot of companies. Each [is] improving there products every year."
"Consolidation of ag input companies could lead to the increase in input prices due to one or two companies controlling the whole market. This would be very bad for most small farmers."
"Consolidation of the Ag companies can both enhance and reduce market competition. It can both enhance and reduce market competition. It can improve the market efficiency by driving down production costs. I feel like agriculture is taking its place in the fast growing world. These 'new' companies will fly if they generate cost savings for the farmer."
"They are a necessary evil, there really isn't much you can do with them, or without them for that matter."
"We might lose the competition between companies."
"I feel that the consolidation is hurting small time farmers and businesses, but is necessary for success in the big business world today."
"The consolidation of these major ag input companies has made for huge savings in the prices of fertilizer because they are starting to form a sort of oligopoly market."
I think it gives them a lot of room for expansion, better ideas, technology, but then again it also builds more competition for jobs. But you also get better workers.
"Thinks they are a good thing. His place of work receives chemicals from ag input companies."
"It's bad for business because the bigger companies are riding out these local independents."
Follow Up Questions
Do you think the market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence?
"Yes, the prices have gone up and there are many products to choose from. Corn for example, prices are higher than ever."
"Market concentrations will always impact input prices; supply and demand. If one company can withhold supply it will raise demand and allow companies to sell higher."
"I think that the market concentration is hurting prices as well as leading to a lack of diversity in the market place."
"Yes, it has raised prices for the farmer. Also the bio-tech endorsement for just some companies shows the political influence that those companies have.
"No, I don't think they have."
Yes, it has effected price and diversity."
"Yes, the companies have almost a monopoly type squeeze on all the mentioned. They have the largest selections, can regulate the prices, but also use their size and money to develop more products, making them harder to do without. It is a circle that provides both good information/product and power/control."
"Yes, big corporations/producers have more control of availability than smaller producers"
What (if anything) should be done to protect against excessive market concentration?
"Enforce our anti-trust laws and encourage competition in the marketplace."
"It is up to the government to regulate these companies."
"Not really sure."
"There is no way to protect against excessive market concentration at this point in time. For example, Monsanto, how do you stop Monsanto from controlling any more, or even back them down a bit, of the market."
"Nothing."
"There should be some regulatory committee that stabilizes these prices and farmers need to push for further legislation to stop companies from doing this."
"Farmers could form a union to make bargains with companies."
"Don't buy foreign. IF we could keep more of our money in states instead of buying products from overseas."
"He doesn't think it could be stopped since the ball is already rolling."
"Government mandates and regulations."
How do you feel about the consolidation of Agriculture input companies?
Follow up Questions:
Do you think the market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence?
What (if anything) should be done to protect against excessive market concentration?
Total Number of Submissions: 18
Interviewee accessed someone from within the farming community: 11/18
Interviewee was male 15/18
Interviewer did not include biographical date: 3/18
Average age of interviewees: 42
Interviewee provided a response that reflected a positive view of the consolidation of Agriculture input companies:
4/18
Interviewee provided a response that reflected both positive and negative views of the consolidation of Agriculture companies:
8/18
Interviewee provided a response that was reflected a negative view of the consolidation of Agriculture input companies:
6/18
Interviewee said that market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence:
10/18
Interviewee said that market concentration does not have an impact:
1/18
Interviewee provided suggestions as to what should be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
6/18
Interviewee was uncertain about what should be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
3/18
Interviewee responded that nothing could be done to protect against excessive market concentration:
2/18
Some highlights:
How do you feel about the consolidation of Agriculture input companies?
"It's not good because it is cutting down on competition and raises the prices for the farmer."
"There's a lot of companies. Each [is] improving there products every year."
"Consolidation of ag input companies could lead to the increase in input prices due to one or two companies controlling the whole market. This would be very bad for most small farmers."
"Consolidation of the Ag companies can both enhance and reduce market competition. It can both enhance and reduce market competition. It can improve the market efficiency by driving down production costs. I feel like agriculture is taking its place in the fast growing world. These 'new' companies will fly if they generate cost savings for the farmer."
"They are a necessary evil, there really isn't much you can do with them, or without them for that matter."
"We might lose the competition between companies."
"I feel that the consolidation is hurting small time farmers and businesses, but is necessary for success in the big business world today."
"The consolidation of these major ag input companies has made for huge savings in the prices of fertilizer because they are starting to form a sort of oligopoly market."
I think it gives them a lot of room for expansion, better ideas, technology, but then again it also builds more competition for jobs. But you also get better workers.
"Thinks they are a good thing. His place of work receives chemicals from ag input companies."
"It's bad for business because the bigger companies are riding out these local independents."
Follow Up Questions
Do you think the market concentration has impacted input prices, product availability, regulatory oversight or political influence?
"Yes, the prices have gone up and there are many products to choose from. Corn for example, prices are higher than ever."
"Market concentrations will always impact input prices; supply and demand. If one company can withhold supply it will raise demand and allow companies to sell higher."
"I think that the market concentration is hurting prices as well as leading to a lack of diversity in the market place."
"Yes, it has raised prices for the farmer. Also the bio-tech endorsement for just some companies shows the political influence that those companies have.
"No, I don't think they have."
Yes, it has effected price and diversity."
"Yes, the companies have almost a monopoly type squeeze on all the mentioned. They have the largest selections, can regulate the prices, but also use their size and money to develop more products, making them harder to do without. It is a circle that provides both good information/product and power/control."
"Yes, big corporations/producers have more control of availability than smaller producers"
What (if anything) should be done to protect against excessive market concentration?
"Enforce our anti-trust laws and encourage competition in the marketplace."
"It is up to the government to regulate these companies."
"Not really sure."
"There is no way to protect against excessive market concentration at this point in time. For example, Monsanto, how do you stop Monsanto from controlling any more, or even back them down a bit, of the market."
"Nothing."
"There should be some regulatory committee that stabilizes these prices and farmers need to push for further legislation to stop companies from doing this."
"Farmers could form a union to make bargains with companies."
"Don't buy foreign. IF we could keep more of our money in states instead of buying products from overseas."
"He doesn't think it could be stopped since the ball is already rolling."
"Government mandates and regulations."
Question 3
Question 3:
What do you think of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.?
Total Number of Submissions: 19
Results:
Interviewee had a positive view of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.
8/19
Interviewee had a negative view of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.
3/19
Interviewee had a mixed view of the current system of agriculture
6/19
Interview was unfamiliar with the current system of agriculture
2/19
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
0/19
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
17/19
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
2/19
Who benefits the most from the current system?
Large Scale or Corporate Farmers:
5/19
Small Farms:
3/19
Consumers:
4/19
Uncertain who benefits:
2/19
What would happen in subsidies were eliminated?
It would have an overall positive impact:
2/19
It would have an overall negative impact:
11/19
Uncertain what type of impact it would have:
1/19
If you could change the current system, how would you change it?
Would change system to benefit small farmers more
6/19
Increase education and understanding about the purpose of subsidies:
5/19
Eliminate Subsidies:
1/19
Would not change the system:
1/19
Some quotes:
1.
Farmer: "The new program is pretty confusing. The country offices didn't know the details about the ACRE program and still can't answer all my questions."
Farmer: "It is getting better now for small farms due to the increase in subsidies available for things."
State of Illinois Employee: " I think the current system of agricultural subsidies helps but there is never going to be enough, farmers on small scale scale will never be able to show large profits, but only get them through the year."
Retired Farmer/Landlord: "The subsidies have both pros and cons. I don't like them in the sense that they are controlled harshly and strictly bu the government, and the price is pretty much locked in stone."
Teacher: They [agricultural subsidies]are like a double-edged sword because on one hand they are useful and necessary but on the other hand can bring about manipulation of the government and large corporate farms."
Farmer: "I think too much goes towards conservation and wildlife and I don't like their 'new Acre' Program."
Farmer: "Programs like ACRE are much better than the programs of the past.
2.Who benefits the most from the current system?
"I would say that the consumers benefit more from the current system than farmers because our food prices stay down due to the system."
"Non-for-profit organizations and corporate farms. It is difficult for individuals to get subsidies."
"The least efficient producer."
"All farmers benefit from the current system."
"Big farmers are benefiting the most from the subsidies."
3.What would happen in subsidies were eliminated?
"More farmers could expand and get bigger."
"It wouldn't make that big of a difference."
"It would hurt the small farmer and the big farmer wouldn't be effected too much."
"Farmers would go bankrupt."
"The short-term effect would be inflation in food prices and other products made from corn and soybeans...that would cause a lot of small farms to fail."
4.If you could change the current system, how would you change it?
"Feels that other countries don't like our subsidies."
"Nothing, because it is working now."
"More education on what is available and how to receive the subsidies."
"Make it easier to understand and helps the smaller farmers."
"Find ways where small farms in the future are not dependent on the government."
"Eliminate subsidies to expand productivity and adaptability."
"If I had to change something it would probably ensure that farmers consistently got a fair and profitable price on sale of crops."
What do you think of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.?
Total Number of Submissions: 19
Results:
Interviewee had a positive view of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.
8/19
Interviewee had a negative view of the current system of agriculture subsidies in the U.S.
3/19
Interviewee had a mixed view of the current system of agriculture
6/19
Interview was unfamiliar with the current system of agriculture
2/19
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
0/19
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
17/19
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
2/19
Who benefits the most from the current system?
Large Scale or Corporate Farmers:
5/19
Small Farms:
3/19
Consumers:
4/19
Uncertain who benefits:
2/19
What would happen in subsidies were eliminated?
It would have an overall positive impact:
2/19
It would have an overall negative impact:
11/19
Uncertain what type of impact it would have:
1/19
If you could change the current system, how would you change it?
Would change system to benefit small farmers more
6/19
Increase education and understanding about the purpose of subsidies:
5/19
Eliminate Subsidies:
1/19
Would not change the system:
1/19
Some quotes:
1.
Farmer: "The new program is pretty confusing. The country offices didn't know the details about the ACRE program and still can't answer all my questions."
Farmer: "It is getting better now for small farms due to the increase in subsidies available for things."
State of Illinois Employee: " I think the current system of agricultural subsidies helps but there is never going to be enough, farmers on small scale scale will never be able to show large profits, but only get them through the year."
Retired Farmer/Landlord: "The subsidies have both pros and cons. I don't like them in the sense that they are controlled harshly and strictly bu the government, and the price is pretty much locked in stone."
Teacher: They [agricultural subsidies]are like a double-edged sword because on one hand they are useful and necessary but on the other hand can bring about manipulation of the government and large corporate farms."
Farmer: "I think too much goes towards conservation and wildlife and I don't like their 'new Acre' Program."
Farmer: "Programs like ACRE are much better than the programs of the past.
2.Who benefits the most from the current system?
"I would say that the consumers benefit more from the current system than farmers because our food prices stay down due to the system."
"Non-for-profit organizations and corporate farms. It is difficult for individuals to get subsidies."
"The least efficient producer."
"All farmers benefit from the current system."
"Big farmers are benefiting the most from the subsidies."
3.What would happen in subsidies were eliminated?
"More farmers could expand and get bigger."
"It wouldn't make that big of a difference."
"It would hurt the small farmer and the big farmer wouldn't be effected too much."
"Farmers would go bankrupt."
"The short-term effect would be inflation in food prices and other products made from corn and soybeans...that would cause a lot of small farms to fail."
4.If you could change the current system, how would you change it?
"Feels that other countries don't like our subsidies."
"Nothing, because it is working now."
"More education on what is available and how to receive the subsidies."
"Make it easier to understand and helps the smaller farmers."
"Find ways where small farms in the future are not dependent on the government."
"Eliminate subsidies to expand productivity and adaptability."
"If I had to change something it would probably ensure that farmers consistently got a fair and profitable price on sale of crops."
Question 2
Question 2 Results
How was your family impacted by the Farm Crisis of the 1980s?
Total number of submissions: 20
Results: Interviewee was impacted in some significant way by the farm crisis:
12/20
Interviewee was not impacted significantly by the farm crisis:
8/20
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
5/20
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
17/20
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
3/20
What caused the farm crisis?
Federal government policies, particularly the grain embargo placed on Russia.
8/20
Failures on the part of the farmers, poor management:
3/20
Failures in the part of banks and creditors, high interest loans made too easily:
5/20
Could the farm crisis happen again?
Responded in the affirmative.
9/20
Responded in the negative.
1/20
Uncertain if the farm crisis could happen again.
2/20
Some highlights from the interviews.
How was your family impacted by the farm crisis?
Real Estate Broker: "Our father bought farms at the bottom of the crisis at low prices."
Farmer: "As a farmer in the mid 80's, my grandpa said that they about lost everything. He almost lost all 1500 acres and most of the equipment he used to farm with. Not having enough money to pay the bills was the biggest problem."
Teacher: "Life was really hard, there was no money in farming or the family feed business. The income just wasn't there."
Part-time Farmer: "His heart was broken because he watched his uncle sell the family farm that had be around for generations."
Construction Worker: "My family was impacted being small farmers in the 80's. It was very,very hard to make money on crops."
Farmer: "When I asked how was our family impacted by the farm crisis in the 80's, this person responded absolutely zero.' The only crisis were the people that spent way more money than they had on land and machinery. Farmers that went out and spent the money they didn't have paid 20-30% interest. We had good prices, grain prices were good in the 80's. If you watched yourself you had no problems. We had some good years in the 80's...It's worse now than it was in the 80's...He closed by saying, Farmers are always their own worst enemy.'"
Daycare Owner: "The family farm really wasn't affected by the farm crisis at all."
Farmer: "The farm crisis didn't really impact us. In the long run, our business grew because land came up for sale and land prices were down."
Farmer: "The farm crisis in the 80's was not a big concern in our area."
What do you think caused the farm crisis?
Computer Specialist: "I think it was two things: one a little bit of greed on part of the farmers and two the bankers made it too easy for the farmers to get credit."
Teacher: "Terrible markets, foreclosures, accelerated bank loans, banks collapsing."
Farmer: "He stated that Jimmy Carter's trade embargo and high oil prices were what he blamed the farm crisis on."
Farmer: "The farm crisis all began in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter set up a trade embargo with Russia. This stopped the selling of our agricultural products to an entire region of the world."
Do you think that the farm crisis could happen again?
"Most definitely"
"Anything is possible"
"Most likely not, because corn for example is being used to make ethanol, which is needed all over the world. Crops are even more important today for purposes besides providing food."
"I believe that we are a lot smarter now and would have a better shot at not having a recurrence."
"Oh yes! I really thought it would happen in 2009."
"Yes, but I believe we will be prepared."
"It's possible if grain prices go down enough. Farmers have taken out large loans because of the high prices and good yields."
Some notes:
1. It's easier if students just write down what the interviewee answers below each question.
2. Make sure to include biographical information of interviewee.
How was your family impacted by the Farm Crisis of the 1980s?
Total number of submissions: 20
Results: Interviewee was impacted in some significant way by the farm crisis:
12/20
Interviewee was not impacted significantly by the farm crisis:
8/20
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
5/20
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
17/20
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
3/20
What caused the farm crisis?
Federal government policies, particularly the grain embargo placed on Russia.
8/20
Failures on the part of the farmers, poor management:
3/20
Failures in the part of banks and creditors, high interest loans made too easily:
5/20
Could the farm crisis happen again?
Responded in the affirmative.
9/20
Responded in the negative.
1/20
Uncertain if the farm crisis could happen again.
2/20
Some highlights from the interviews.
How was your family impacted by the farm crisis?
Real Estate Broker: "Our father bought farms at the bottom of the crisis at low prices."
Farmer: "As a farmer in the mid 80's, my grandpa said that they about lost everything. He almost lost all 1500 acres and most of the equipment he used to farm with. Not having enough money to pay the bills was the biggest problem."
Teacher: "Life was really hard, there was no money in farming or the family feed business. The income just wasn't there."
Part-time Farmer: "His heart was broken because he watched his uncle sell the family farm that had be around for generations."
Construction Worker: "My family was impacted being small farmers in the 80's. It was very,very hard to make money on crops."
Farmer: "When I asked how was our family impacted by the farm crisis in the 80's, this person responded absolutely zero.' The only crisis were the people that spent way more money than they had on land and machinery. Farmers that went out and spent the money they didn't have paid 20-30% interest. We had good prices, grain prices were good in the 80's. If you watched yourself you had no problems. We had some good years in the 80's...It's worse now than it was in the 80's...He closed by saying, Farmers are always their own worst enemy.'"
Daycare Owner: "The family farm really wasn't affected by the farm crisis at all."
Farmer: "The farm crisis didn't really impact us. In the long run, our business grew because land came up for sale and land prices were down."
Farmer: "The farm crisis in the 80's was not a big concern in our area."
What do you think caused the farm crisis?
Computer Specialist: "I think it was two things: one a little bit of greed on part of the farmers and two the bankers made it too easy for the farmers to get credit."
Teacher: "Terrible markets, foreclosures, accelerated bank loans, banks collapsing."
Farmer: "He stated that Jimmy Carter's trade embargo and high oil prices were what he blamed the farm crisis on."
Farmer: "The farm crisis all began in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter set up a trade embargo with Russia. This stopped the selling of our agricultural products to an entire region of the world."
Do you think that the farm crisis could happen again?
"Most definitely"
"Anything is possible"
"Most likely not, because corn for example is being used to make ethanol, which is needed all over the world. Crops are even more important today for purposes besides providing food."
"I believe that we are a lot smarter now and would have a better shot at not having a recurrence."
"Oh yes! I really thought it would happen in 2009."
"Yes, but I believe we will be prepared."
"It's possible if grain prices go down enough. Farmers have taken out large loans because of the high prices and good yields."
Some notes:
1. It's easier if students just write down what the interviewee answers below each question.
2. Make sure to include biographical information of interviewee.
Question 1
Question 1:
Is there someone in your life that has been a great example of environmental stewardship and has influenced the way you think about conservation? If so, briefly explain.
Total number of submissions: 33
Results:
Yes, there was someone who has been a great example of environmental stewardship and has influenced the way one thinks about conservation:
29/33
No, there has not been someone who has been a great example of environmental stewardship:
4/33
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
13/33
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
27/33
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
6/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of valuable insight into various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
21/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of some insight into the various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
10/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of little insight into various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
2/33
Some notes:
1. Make sure that students understand that this is an interview question and not a question for them to answer. Students do not have to agree with the answer that they have received from interviewees, but what is important is that they have accessed available information and a particular point of view.
2. Make sure to include biographical information of interviewee. 13 students failed to include the age, job, gender, or education of the person that they interviewed.
3. Can students be encouraged to ask additional questions, if they have accessed and informative and interesting interviewees?
Some highlights of environmental stewardship and influential conservationists:
A grazing-land specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "He goes around and helps farmers with there natural resources needs such as waterway advise, pasture mixtures, or how much livestock you can have on your posture given the kind of forages that you have."
An Organic Farm Owner. "I went to work for him at Biological Farming. He said that we needed to find an alternative to using chemicals. He introduced the no till practice to our area...This allowed farmers to make about two less trips over their fields each year."
Farmhand. "His grandfather had the greatest influence on the way he thinks about conservation. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a lot of respect for wildlife."
Farmer: "He has been doing CRP ground for over fifty years and has been a part of returning over a hundred acres to all pure shot stem and tall prairie grass. In addition, he has done a lot of terracing for the highly erodible land and has recently started using filter strips."
Is there someone in your life that has been a great example of environmental stewardship and has influenced the way you think about conservation? If so, briefly explain.
Total number of submissions: 33
Results:
Yes, there was someone who has been a great example of environmental stewardship and has influenced the way one thinks about conservation:
29/33
No, there has not been someone who has been a great example of environmental stewardship:
4/33
Did not include biographical data (gender, age, education, job) of interviewee.
13/33
Interviewer accessed someone from inside the farm community.
27/33
Interviewer accessed someone from outside the farm community.
6/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of valuable insight into various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
21/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of some insight into the various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
10/33
Survey resulted in the gathering of little insight into various perceptions surrounding environmental stewardship.
2/33
Some notes:
1. Make sure that students understand that this is an interview question and not a question for them to answer. Students do not have to agree with the answer that they have received from interviewees, but what is important is that they have accessed available information and a particular point of view.
2. Make sure to include biographical information of interviewee. 13 students failed to include the age, job, gender, or education of the person that they interviewed.
3. Can students be encouraged to ask additional questions, if they have accessed and informative and interesting interviewees?
Some highlights of environmental stewardship and influential conservationists:
A grazing-land specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "He goes around and helps farmers with there natural resources needs such as waterway advise, pasture mixtures, or how much livestock you can have on your posture given the kind of forages that you have."
An Organic Farm Owner. "I went to work for him at Biological Farming. He said that we needed to find an alternative to using chemicals. He introduced the no till practice to our area...This allowed farmers to make about two less trips over their fields each year."
Farmhand. "His grandfather had the greatest influence on the way he thinks about conservation. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a lot of respect for wildlife."
Farmer: "He has been doing CRP ground for over fifty years and has been a part of returning over a hundred acres to all pure shot stem and tall prairie grass. In addition, he has done a lot of terracing for the highly erodible land and has recently started using filter strips."
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