At one time in this country, family farms were a way of life. Farmers raised fruits, vegetables, wheat, hay, cotton and livestock for meat, eggs, milk, butter, and wool to meet their family’s needs. The work was difficult as it had to be done by hand or with the help of horses or mules to prepare the fields for planting. To succeed, the entire family worked together to harvest the crops. Through the years farming has become less important as a way of life and has developed into a business enterprise. Because of ongoing research in plant and animal production, there have been major increases in crop yields and animal products. With the use of modern farm equipment, planting and harvesting can be done more efficiently. Farmers today have to be knowledgeable not only in agriculture but also in account ting, marketing and finance. The small family farm may be disappearing but farming remains the most important occupation in the world today. |
