SEGMENT: FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM BUSINESS, & LAND ACQUISITION

Howard Lanan>NIU Collection>NIU Collection, Segment 12

SEGMENT: FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM BUSINESS, & LAND ACQUISITION,

duration 09:07
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CROPS
After WWII, less oats & hay. More corn & soybeans.
FARM EQUIPMENT
Howard bought a tractor, a combine. Rented more farms, so needed more machines.
AGRO-CHEMICALS
Used chemical fertilizers & use more & more all the time, started that in the 1940s. Used organic fertilizers, e.g., manure, also used. Pesticide use started after WWII. Suffered no ill-effects from chemicals.
OVERPRODUCTION
Discusses overproduction in the 1980s. Before that we were trying to feeding the world.
FARM BUSINESS
Talks about the financial ramifications of the land boom, borrowing money against land, & downturn of land values. Farmers got in trouble because they borrowed on over-valued land. When land prices dropped they were in trouble.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Howard went to talks about farming, would go away for some of them. Hired men would run the farm in his absence. Good farmers read farm magazines.
APPLIANCES
Got a television about 1942.
FARMING DURING VIETNAM WAR
Vietnam War raised prices in the 1960s. Farming was still profitable.
FARMHOUSE
Didn't save or invest. Borrowed money ($21k) to remodel in 1951. Discusses the house, remodeling, & use of extension service architect. No charge for architectural plans. House was used as show model.
FAMILY
Howard's father died in 1976 at age of 91, mother in 1977 at age of 85. Grandmother died at age of 91.
LAND ACQUISITION
Inherited this farm when his grandfather passed away, mentions inheritance tax was already paid. "Favorite & only grandson."