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

Author
casualcattleconversations
Published
Mon 05 Aug 2024
Episode Link
https://casualcattleconversations.podbean.com/e/brian-reisinger/

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 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'


00:22:57 The Influence of Government Policies


00:27:36 Importance of Understanding Farming Challenges


00:28:19 Challenges in the Food Economy During COVID


00:31:37 Comparison with Other Countries' Agricultural Models


00:34:23 Historical Hardships Faced by Farm Families


00:37:43 Resilience of Farm Families Across Generations


00:38:03 Book Promotion and Launch Details


Brian's Book: https://linktr.ee/brianreisinger 


Podcast Coaching: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/podcast-coaching


RancherMinds: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events 

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