Born in Nebraska during droughts, picked corn for uncle & worked dairy in years after high school in Illinois. Mentions government policy to plant trees.
HARVESTING
Tells of threshing ring working in IL. Describes shocking. Corn used as feed. Farmers all worked together.
CHANGES IN FARMING METHODS
Farmers worked together, describes harvesting tasks step-by-step, now they all have their own combines.
MILITARY SERVICE
Drafted in 1943, trained as a diesel mechanic for amphibian engineers. Worked on landing craft. Was in New Guinea through the Philippines to Japan.
NON-FARM WORK
DeKalb County Highway Department
LAND ACQUISITION
Farmed from 1969 until 1973 on 120 acres. First rented land, then bought, then sold farm. Tells about some machinery he bought. Sold the land, had to decide what work was most financially viable. Then built houses for a contractor.
CROPS
Grew corn and soybeans, no livestock.
FARM BUSINESS
Worked a job in town. Notes that farmers would need 400 acres to make a living. Farming was an investment for profit. Hauled crops to town to market them, sold to grain elevator, cooperatives. Also sold on contract.
