Why You Have Fewer Neighbors Than Your Grandpa: Uncovering the factors that have led to reduced farm numbers in America

2024-08-05

Shaye Wanner invites Brian Reisinger, author of the book "Land Rich, Cash Poor," to shed light on the complex factors that have influenced why the number of farms and ranches in America has changed over the past century. Through Brian's poignant storytelling and personal anecdotes, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience and perseverance that have become hallmarks of farm families across generations. From the hardships of the Great Depression to the harrowing farm crisis of the 1980s, and the more recent disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this engaging dialogue ...

Through Brian's poignant storytelling and personal anecdotes, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience and perseverance that have become hallmarks of farm families across generations. From the hardships of the Great Depression to the harrowing farm crisis of the 1980s, and the more recent disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this engaging dialogue offers a rare glimpse into the untold struggles and triumphs that have defined the American farming experience.

As you immerse yourself in this compelling narrative, you'll uncover:
- The profound impact of rural population shifts on the viability of agricultural communities
- The double-edged sword of technological innovation, empowering some farms while leaving others behind
- The consequences of policy decisions focused solely on cheap food, often at the expense of farm sustainability
- The vulnerability of our food supply chain, exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for greater resilience
- Lessons from global agricultural models and practices that could inform a more sustainable future

00:00:00 Exploring Changes in Rural America Through the Lens of History

00:03:14 Embracing Roots and Writing a Family Story

00:05:00 Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide for Awareness

00:06:34 Unveiling the Untold History of American Farmers

00:09:35 Transition Planning and Farm Succession Challenges

00:12:30 Factors Affecting Family Farms

00:13:12 Population Shift from Rural to Urban Areas

00:15:55 Balancing Rural and Urban Opportunities

00:17:48 Importance of Technology in Agriculture

00:17:54 The Impact of Technology on Farming

00:21:20 Diverse Avenues to Farm Success

00:22:16 Understanding 'Land Rich, Cash Poor'