Sons studied agriculture in college. "Somebody had to be back on the farm." In Luke's day his sisters went to college to be a teacher & a nurse. But most boys stayed on farm. Doesn't know if he would encourage young boys to go into farming. He would encourage young boys to go on to college. Good thing son had education because he can get work.
CHANGES IN NEIGHBORS
Not like the old days when people worked together. With better equipment less need for neighbor-farmers to help each other out. Younger farmers seem to get together more often to help out. After broke away from working together, neighbor-farmers were more isolated, but now farmer-neighbors cooperating & working together more.
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Grain embargo had an impact. Policy to teach 3rd world countries how to grow crops & they can now feed themselves & even export crops. US produces more than what we need & cannot export as much to other countries. Grain embargo further reduced market. Doesn't know what else government could do for farmer to hold farms together.
URBANIZATION
Can't pave all farmland, but there is an obvious need near population centers.
REFLECTIONS
Farming is a good life. My ancestors loved farming & living on farm. Future farmers will enjoy it as well. I am a lucky man to be a farmer. Views on farming. Message to the future "It's been a good life, loved the farm." Going back 80 years, they loved the farm too, thinks people will always need to eat.