Looking to the future, food crops versus energy crops (switchgrass versus corn); monocultures. Lots of problems. As farms get larger, decisions get more significant. Fewer approaches used by the fewer larger farms. For example, he adds more species to his forest for diversity. Cannot turn back the clock, but some farmers look only to the next quarter rather than long term.
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Government reactions tend to be knee jerk ones as changes are made like this. Federal involvement goes to the people with the most power. Forestry is having problems in Illinois for that reason (no clout). Reflects over the economic problems of the near future.
REFLECTIONS
Likes his job and life because it's part of the natural life of growing things. If you could make the bees happy, they would grow. In trees, you don't do genetic work, but you can also hunt mushrooms, flowers, wildlife, etc. Does not compare with town or computer work. Those are the most important things in life.