Dirt, Sweat, and Diesel: A Family Farm in the Twenty-first Century (Volume 1)

With very few people engaged in agriculture today, it is no surprise that most Americans have little understanding of the challenges that modern farmers face. This book provides readers a glimpse into life on a modern Missouri farm where a variety of grains, grass seed, corn, and cattle are produced. All of the conversations, events, and descriptions are drawn from the author’s experience working alongside and observing this father and son family farm operation during the course of a year. Farming today is technologically complex and requires a broad set of skills that range from soil conservation, animal husbandry, and mechanics to knowledge of financial markets and computer technology. The focus on skills, in addition to the size of the financial risks, and the number of unexpected challenges along the way provides readers with a new perspective and appreciation for modern farm life. With Very Few People Engaged In Agriculture Today, It Is No Surprise That Most Americans Have Little Understanding Of The Challenges That Modern Farmers Face. This Book Provides Readers A Glimpse Into Life On A Modern Missouri Farm Where A Variety Of Grains, Grass Seed, Corn, And Cattle Are Produced. Introduction -- 1971. The Beginning -- December 5. Snowstorm -- December 12. Seed Supper -- December 16. Maximilian -- December 20. Fences -- January 9. Help Or Handout? -- January 31. Winter Work -- February 16. Mice And Mud -- February 26. Nursery -- March 6. Orphans -- March 10. Flood -- April 1. Spring -- April 4. Winter Tractor Pull -- April 12. Coming Of Age -- May 8. Storm -- May 18. Thistles And Thieves -- May 22. Spring Planting -- May 28. Miracle Seeds? -- June 11. Fields Of Fescue -- June 15. Community -- June 25. Breakdown -- June 30. Summer Harvest -- July 4. County Fair -- July 24. Prairie Tradition -- August 15 & 18. State Fair -- August 25. Summer Haze -- September 12. Waiting To Harvest -- September 18. Picking Corn -- September 24. Last Tractor Pull -- September 27. Milo -- October 4. Office With A View -- October 8. Farmfest -- October 10. Machinery Auction -- October 14. Video Auction -- October 24. Last Harvest : Soybeans -- November 3. Cattle Auction -- November 10. End Of Innocence -- November 17. Little Bit Pregnant -- November 30. Cow On Fire -- Epilogue. "With fewer people engaged in agriculture today, it is no surprise that most Americans have little understanding of the challenges that modern farmers face. This book provides readers a glimpse into life on a modern Missouri farm where a variety of grains, grass seed, corn, and cattle are produced."-- Jacket