SEGMENT: NEIGHBORS, LIVESTOCK, & FARM EQUIPMENT
Howard Lanan>NIU Collection>NIU Collection, Segment 12
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- NEIGHBORS
- Interviewer asks about Howard's father. In 1972 father moved to Sycamore. They also speak about neighbors. Howard mentions they always helped each other when they were in need. Church used to be center of community activity. Brief anecdote about his grandmother and grandfather, people helping them, staying for a meal & all night if necessary. Neighbors with children came over often. Mentions the hired man and a family with 8 kids.
- LIVESTOCK
- "Seed sold through livestock." In the 1960s, Howard focused on livestock, didn't have to make too many decisions on the crops. Raises 2500 hogs & sells about 30-40 hogs/wk. In the 1970s, international markets for grain and the overproduction that resulted didn't affect Howard too much because he had the livestock. Doesn't recall a large fluctuation in prices.
- FARM EQUIPMENT
- In the 1970s, Howard recalls farm machinery prices rising, guesses it's due to the rise of labor unions. Mentions his combine and tractor bought in 1970's. Interviewer describes farm, grain storage towers, etc.
- TENANT FARMING
- Howard discusses what belongs to the tenant & machinery prices.
- LAND ACQUISITION
- Inherited a farm and land from his dad and mom when they passed away.
- RETIREMENT
- Howard had a farm sale two or three years ago, indicating his retirement. He's in his 70's, had broken his ankle. It was time. Talks about the seasonality of farming. "Corn, beans, & Miami rotation."
