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Revolution down on the Farm : The Transformation of American Agriculture Since 1929 by Paul K. Conkin (2008, Hardcover)

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A Revolution Down on the Farm: The Transformation of American Agriculture since 1929

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherUniversity Press of Kentucky

ISBN-100813125197

ISBN-139780813125190

eBay Product ID (ePID)65668245

Product Key Features

Number of Pages240 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication NameRevolution Down on the Farm : the Transformation of American Agriculture since 1929

SubjectPublic Policy / Agriculture & Food Policy (See Also Social Science / Agriculture & Food), Environmental Conservation & Protection, United States / 20th Century, Agriculture / General, United States / General

Publication Year2008

TypeTextbook

Subject AreaNature, Political Science, Technology & Engineering, History

AuthorPaul K. Conkin

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height0.9 in

Item Weight17.6 Oz

Item Length9 in

Item Width6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceScholarly & Professional

LCCN2008-016831

Dewey Edition22

Reviews"Historian Paul K. Conkin provides an interesting examination of the transformation that has occurred in American agriculture over the last eighty years."-- Kentucky Ancestors, "Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America."-- North Florida News Daily, ""Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended."--Choice" --, "This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative." -- G. E. Aiken, Choice, ""Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America."" -- Mike Walker, NorthFloridaNewsDaily.com, "Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennesseehe manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye."-- Journal of American History, ""As interesting as the personal tale is, however, what is even more useful is Conkin's concise, carefully written discussion of the major changes in American agriculture since 1929."-- Journal of Illinois History " --, "This book is an accurate and straightfoward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. All the important farm issues and views about them are discussed in a format that is handy and easy to read. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States" -- Gene Logsdon, "This book is an accurate and straightfoward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. All the important farm issues and views about them are discussed in a format that is handy and easy to read. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States"--Gene Logsdon, ""An accurate and straightforward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States." --Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse" --, "As interesting as the personal tale is, however, what is even more useful is Conkin's concise, carefully written discussion of the major changes in American agriculture since 1929." -- Journal of Illinois History, ""Clearly written and organized, Conkin's book will appeal to anyone interested in farming and the agricultural economy."--Book News" --, "This important book explores a recent revolution in American history that substituted technology for people and animals in farming and greatly increased output. Paul Conkin tells this tale in his own way, drawing upon his personal involvement in the story as well as the relevant scholarship and the basic documents." -- Richard Kirkendall, "Revolution clarifies an immensely complex topic, not only changes in American agricultural practices and technologies, but also the politics of definition and the long term repercussions of what many might simply ignored as banal."-- Southeastern Librarian, "Revolution clarifies an immensely complex topic, not only changes in American agricultural practices and technologies, but also the politics of definition and the long term repercussions of what many might simply ignored as banal." --, ""…Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennessee…he manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye." --" -- Shane Hamilton, University of Georgia, Journal of American History, ""This book provokes thought, and ideally it will provoke reflection and a study that addresses the social costs as well as the industrial gains made during the greatest industrial revolution in the history of the United States, the agricultural production revolution."-- Ohio Valley History " --, ""This book is an accurate and straightfoward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. All the important farm issues and views about them are discussed in a format that is handy and easy to read. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States"--Gene Logsdon" --, "Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended." -- Choice, ""Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America."-- North Florida News Daily " --, "This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative."-- Choice, ""Revolution clarifies an immensely complex topic, not only changes in American agricultural practices and technologies, but also the politics of definition and the long term repercussions of what many might simply ignored as banal."-- Southeastern Librarian " --, "Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended."-- Choice, "This book provokes thought, and ideally it will provoke reflection and a study that addresses the social costs as well as the industrial gains made during the greatest industrial revolution in the history of the United States, the agricultural production revolution." -- Ohio Valley History, "For a generation of students who know little about the agricultural past, Conkin's book will provide an important and well-rounded overview."-- Agricultural History, ""Historian Paul K. Conkin provides an interesting examination of the transformation that has occurred in American agriculture over the last eighty years."-- Kentucky Ancestors " --, ""Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America."--North Florida News Daily" --, "Paul Conkin's latest book -- or perhaps, as he predicts, his final book -- is a thoughtful and elegantly written survey of American agriculture since the 1930s." -- Sarah Phillips, Business History Review, "This important book explores a recent revolution in American history that substituted technology for people and animals in farming and greatly increased output. Paul Conkin tells this tale in his own way, drawing upon his personal involvement in the story as well as the relevant scholarship and the basic documents." --Richard Kirkendall, ""Conkin provides a masterful survey of the major agricultural legislation of the 1930s, noting that the long-term effect of these programs continues to invite curiosity.... a friendly, approachable work on agricultural history... a map to new ways of thinking about the past and planning for the future."-- Arkansas Historical Quarterly " --, "Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America." -- Mike Walker, NorthFloridaNewsDaily.com, "Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennessee...he manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye." -- Shane Hamilton, University of Georgia, Journal of American History, ""Conkin cogently describes agricultural life with particular attention to changes wrought by the world beyond farmyard and fields... about lost American country life."--Indiana Magazine of History" --, ""Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennessee...he manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye."-- Journal of American History " --, ""This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture."" -- Publishers Weekly, ""This book is an accurate and straightfoward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. All the important farm issues and views about them are discussed in a format that is handy and easy to read. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States"--Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse" -- Gene Logsdon, ""This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative."" -- G. E. Aiken, Choice, ""Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended."" -- Choice, "Clearly written and organized, Conkin's book will appeal to anyone interested in farming and the agricultural economy."-- Book News, ""Historian Paul K. Conkin provides an interesting examination of the transformation that has occurred in American agriculture over the last eighty years."--Kentucky Ancestors" --, ""This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative."-- Choice " --, "Conkin provides a masterful survey of the major agricultural legislation of the 1930s, noting that the long-term effect of these programs continues to invite curiosity.... a friendly, approachable work on agricultural history... a map to new ways of thinking about the past and planning for the future." -- Arkansas Historical Quarterly, ""This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture."-- Publishers Weekly " --, "This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture."-- Publishers Weekly, "As interesting as the personal tale is, however, what is even more useful is Conkin's concise, carefully written discussion of the major changes in American agriculture since 1929."-- Journal of Illinois History, ""For a generation of students who know little about the agricultural past, Conkin's book will provide an important and well-rounded overview."-- Agricultural History " --, ""As interesting as the personal tale is, however, what is even more useful is Conkin's concise, carefully written discussion of the major changes in American agriculture since 1929."" -- Journal of Illinois History, ""Conkin's latest book -- or perhaps, as he predicts, his final book -- is a thoughtful and elegantly written survey of American agriculture since the 1930s."-- Business History Review " -- Sarah Phillips, "Conkin provides a masterful survey of the major agricultural legislation of the 1930s, noting that the long-term effect of these programs continues to invite curiosity.... a friendly, approachable work on agricultural history... a map to new ways of thinking about the past and planning for the future."-- Arkansas Historical Quarterly, "This important book explores a recent revolution in American history that substituted technology for people and animals in farming and greatly increased output. Paul Conkin tells this tale in his own way, drawing upon his personal involvement in the story as well as the relevant scholarship and the basic documents."--Richard S. Kirkendall, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Washington, ""Conkin's latest book -- or perhaps, as he predicts, his final book -- is a thoughtful and elegantly written survey of American agriculture since the 1930s."--Business History Review" -- Sarah Phillips, "This book provokes thought, and ideally it will provoke reflection and a study that addresses the social costs as well as the industrial gains made during the greatest industrial revolution in the history of the United States, the agricultural production revolution."-- Ohio Valley History, ""This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture."--Publishers Weekly" --, This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture., Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended., This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative., ""Conkin has combined his skills as a historian with his considerable knowledge and passion for agriculture to write an in-depth account of the revolution in agricultural production that occurred after 1930. This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative. Highly recommended."-- Choice " --, ""Clearly written and organized, Conkin's book will appeal to anyone interested in farming and the agricultural economy."-- Book News " --, ""An accurate and straightforward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States." --Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse " --, "Conkin's latest book--or perhaps, as he predicts, his final book--is a thoughtful and elegantly written survey of American agriculture since the 1930s."-- Business History Review, "An accurate and straightforward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States." --Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse, ""This important book explores a recent revolution in American history that substituted technology for people and animals in farming and greatly increased output. Paul Conkin tells this tale in his own way, drawing upon his personal involvement in the story as well as the relevant scholarship and the basic documents." --Richard Kirkendall" --, "An accurate and straightforward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States." -- Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse, ""For a generation of students who know little about the agricultural past, Conkin's book will provide an important and well-rounded overview."--Agricultural History" --, "Conkin cogently describes agricultural life with particular attention to changes wrought by the world beyond farmyard and fields... about lost American country life." -- Indiana Magazine of History, ""Revolution clarifies an immensely complex topic, not only changes in American agricultural practices and technologies, but also the politics of definition and the long term repercussions of what many might simply ignored as banal."--Southeastern Librarian" --, Conkinï¿½s book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America., ""As interesting as the personal tale is, however, what is even more useful is Conkin's concise, carefully written discussion of the major changes in American agriculture since 1929."--Journal of Illinois History" --, ""This important book explores a recent revolution in American history that substituted technology for people and animals in farming and greatly increased output. Paul Conkin tells this tale in his own way, drawing upon his personal involvement in the story as well as the relevant scholarship and the basic documents."--Richard S. Kirkendall, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Washington" -- Richard Kirkendall, "Historian Paul K. Conkin provides an interesting examination of the transformation that has occurred in American agriculture over the last eighty years." -- Kentucky Ancestors, ""Conkin provides a masterful survey of the major agricultural legislation of the 1930s, noting that the long-term effect of these programs continues to invite curiosity.... a friendly, approachable work on agricultural history... a map to new ways of thinking about the past and planning for the future."--Arkansas Historical Quarterly" --, ""Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennessee...he manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye."--Shane Hamilton, Journal of American History" --, ""Conkin provides an original twist by narrating his own experiences of farm life as a youth in eastern Tennessee...he manages to personalize his tale without letting nostalgia blind his scholarly critical eye."--Journal of American History" --, ""This book provokes thought, and ideally it will provoke reflection and a study that addresses the social costs as well as the industrial gains made during the greatest industrial revolution in the history of the United States, the agricultural production revolution."--Ohio Valley History" --, ""Conkin cogently describes agricultural life with particular attention to changes wrought by the world beyond farmyard and fields... about lost American country life."-- Indiana Magazine of History " --, "This book is an accurate and straightfoward account of agriculture in America down through the years, spiced with the on-farm experiences of the author himself. All the important farm issues and views about them are discussed in a format that is handy and easy to read. Perfect for the new student of agriculture who needs a quick but detailed introduction to farming history in the United States"--Gene Logsdon, author of The Mother of all Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse, "This cogent, thorough history should prove fascinating for anyone interested in the changing landscape of American agriculture." -- Publishers Weekly, Conkin's book certainly springs forward and can be read in a manner that encourages the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed. What is more, his book is truly interesting to anyone interested in the history of farming or the history of rural America., ""This book should be recommended reading for students and teachers of agriculture. Furthermore, those working in production agriculture will likely find the book very provocative."--Choice" --, "For a generation of students who know little about the agricultural past, Conkin's book will provide an important and well-rounded overview." -- Agricultural History, "Conkin cogently describes agricultural life with particular attention to changes wrought by the world beyond farmyard and fields... about lost American country life."-- Indiana Magazine of History

TitleLeadingA

Grade FromCollege Graduate Student

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal630.973/0904

SynopsisAgriculture is the most fundamental of all human activities. Today, those who till the soil or tend livestock feed a world population of approximately 6.5 billion. Fifty years ago, the planet could not have sustained such a large population, and according to present projections, farmers will have to feed nine billion people by 2050. The greatest agricultural revolution in history has occurred in the last fifty years, with farmers in the United States leading the way. America's declining number of farms, however, comes as a surprise to many and may have dramatic implications. Paul K. Conkin's A Revolution Down on the Farm: The Transformation of American Agriculture since 1929 charts the profound changes in farming that have occurred during his lifetime. Conkin's personal experience growing up on a small Tennessee farm complements compelling statistical data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Using economic and historical analysis, Conkin assesses the skills, new technologies, and government policies that helped transform American farming. He clarifies the present status of a subsidized, large-scale, mechanized, and chemically supported agriculture, evaluates its environmental and human costs, and surveys alternatives to a troubled, widely challenged system., At a time when food is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world and food prices are skyrocketing, no industry is more important than agriculture. Humans have been farming for thousands of years, and yet agriculture has undergone more fundamental changes in the past 80 years than in the previous several centuries. In 1900, 30 million American farmers tilled the soil or tended livestock; today there are fewer than 4.5 million farmers who feed a population four times larger than it was at the beginning of the century. Fifty years ago, the planet could not have sustained a population of 6.5 billion; now, commercial and industrial agriculture ensure that millions will not die from starvation. Farmers are able to feed an exponentially growing planet because the greatest industrial revolution in history has occurred in agriculture since 1929, with U.S. farmers leading the way. Productivity on American farms has increased tenfold, even as most small farmers and tenants have been forced to find other work. Today, only 300,000 farms produce approximately ninety percent of the total output, and overproduction, largely subsidized by government programs and policies, has become the hallmark of modern agriculture. A Revolution Down on the Farm: The Transformation of American Agriculture since 1929 charts the profound changes in farming that have occurred during author Paul K. Conkin's lifetime. His personal experiences growing up on a small Tennessee farm complement compelling statistical data as he explores America's vast agricultural transformation and considers its social, political, and economic consequences. He examines the history of American agriculture, showing how New Deal innovations evolved into convoluted commodity programs following World War II. Conkin assesses the skills, new technologies, and government policies that helped transform farming in America and suggests how new legislation might affect farming in decades to come. Although the increased production and mechanization of farming has been an economic success story for Americans, the costs are becoming increasingly apparent. Small farmers are put out of business when they cannot compete with giant, non-diversified corporate farms. Caged chickens and hogs in factory-like facilities or confined dairy cattle require massive amounts of chemicals and hormones ultimately ingested by consumers. Fertilizers, new organic chemicals, manure disposal, and genetically modified seeds have introduced environmental problems that are still being discovered. A Revolution Down on the Farm concludes with an evaluation of farming in the twenty-first century and a distinctive meditation on alternatives to our present large scale, mechanized, subsidized, and fossil fuel and chemically dependent system.

LC Classification NumberS441.C725 2008