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Problems of plenty
Problems of the American farmer in the last century are explored
in a new book by history's Doug Hurt
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Doug Hurt says he didn't pick the illustration that graces the dust jacket
of his latest book. Despite the lack of influence, he's still extremely
pleased with the way it turned out.
Hurt is pleased that the designer selected the Thomas Hart Benton painting,
"Detail of Wheat," for the book's cover.
Not only is Hurt a fan of the Missouri artist (he is a proud owner of
an original lithograph drawing by Benton), but he feels that "Detail
of Wheat" is the perfect illustration for his compact narrative history
of American agriculture over the last century.
The painting, which was one of Benton's last works, shows an abundance
of wheat not yet harvested. Hurt feels the artwork has a dark side as
well.
"I think Benton knew he was dying," said Hurt, professor of
history and director of the agricultural history and rural studies program.
"You can see death in this work."
"Detail of Wheat" also serves as a perfect metaphor for Hurt’s
recent book, Problems of Plenty, which looks at issues of overproduction
and governmental help for the American farmer.
A frequent author on American agriculture, Hurt says scientific and technological
breakthroughs in the 20th century enabled the American farmer to produce
bountiful harvests that have ensured an abundant and relatively cheap
food supply for American consumers. He argues that as the American farmer
became more productive the surplus harvests flooded the market and drove
prices downward.
"With few exceptions, and despite their increased productivity, farmers
found it difficult to earn an adequate standard of living," Hurt
says.
In Problems of Plenty, Hurt shows how farm families looked increasingly
toward the federal government for help. This help included not only technical
information to help them become more productive and profitable, but regulation
of business practices to guarantee them equitable treatment in the marketplace.
The American farmer also looked to the government to support prices.
" The American farmer's dependency on the federal government has
dramatically increased throughout the last century," Hurt said. "The
small family farm is still dependent and in need of the subsidy money
to keep them on the farm. Farmers, particularly those in this part of
the country, can't afford not to participate.
"They (American farmers) eventually regarded these programs as entitlements."
Hurt charts the course of federal farm policy throughout the 20th century
in Problems of Plenty, looking at the major policy changes that
helped shape farming both as a business and a way of life, including the
last federal farm bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act) enacted
in 2002.
Debate is inevitable with any governmental farm policy. Some argue that
government programs have lowered food prices. Others say that the main
beneficiaries of government subsidies are large corporations and real
estate developers.
"The way we have been implementing farm policy over the last century
is not perfect," Hurt said. "It is expensive. But there is no
better idea aside from driving more family farmers away from their land.
"Agricultural policy is difficult to understand and wade through,"
he continued. "Hopefully this book will provide an overview and interpretation
to help general readers to understand the situation a little better."
Around LAS
November 18 to December 1, 2002
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