SEGMENT: GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, REFLECTONS & FAMILY FARM
Ruth Hambleton>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 12
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- GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
- Has seen a many versions of Federal Farm Bills. Land Banking was very prevalent when she was growing up. Nothing was grown on the banked land and in return, the government would send the farmer a check. Changes that have occurred include the rise in equipment horsepower and transition to large farms during the 1960s and 1970s. The nation went through a period of safe food policies. Other phases include environmental and fiscal. The farm program as it functions today is a safety net which is important, but not necessarily popular with everyone. In her view, Government should remain as the safety net, but let the markets work as they need to.
- REFLECTIONS
- Pleasures from farming
- FAMILY FARM
- Her children will not likely take over the farm operation. She expects this outcome and is not disappointed. She feels the children should have their own life.
- REFLECTIONS
- She is agriculture's biggest fan. She anticipates that commodity production will go "huge", but also sees a role for the little guy. Agra-tourism will grow. Farmers near cities will grow food for local people who want to know where their food is coming from. Would encourage children to go into agriculture. Larger farms have difficulties also. The image of a small farm versus reality is that there are various types of farm operations ranging from huge to small single family farm. To survive and retain the farm life, small farmers may have to get a job off the farm. If family farm is important to someone, they will do things that will be necessary to survive. Sees women as one of the fastest growing segments of the farm population. Some women want to raise their children on the farm and teach values. Would like her listeners to have her optimism. If grandkids are watching, don't take anything to heart. She is very optimist about things.
