Farms and farmers in an urban age

the long version

Professor Higbee has presented in this volume a picture of the modern farmer different from that which comes down to us from traditional observers. It is different also from that held by most of those shaping today's government policy and by many agricultural economists. We believe it is one, nevertheless, which deserves careful consideration in various quarters -- and not least by farmers themselves. Today's farmer, Professor Higbee argues, is essentially a new man. His work and outlook have been shaped by conditions which did not exist in previous generations. A remnant still carries forward the old ways and traditions, and government policy is largely shaped with the idea of supporting and sustaining this group. But the benefits of such a policy actually go preponderantly to the new farmer, who is a capitalist frequently operating on a large scale, and more in tune with an urban than a rural society. - Foreword.