I moved to Wisconsin in 1991 with my husband and two sons. The Southwestern corner of the state is referred to as the driftless or non-glaciated region since the ice age spared the terrain. Today the gently rolling hills are covered with wavy lines of corn alternating with alfalfa. The valleys feature scenic dairy farms dotted with herds of Holsteins. There is no denying the family farms I see on my daily commute are vital to our state’s economy and our nation’s food supply. Unfortunately, in the nineteen years I’ve resided here I’ve seen the family farm threatened by urban sprawl and the inability to compete with large corporate farms.
Less than 10 years ago these commercial building sites were farm land. (photo by Lana Caywood)
I have the utmost respect for the hard working men and women who either by destiny or design farm America’s heartland.Many of them are struggling in our current economy and with the decision to keep farming when their land is more valuable for residential or commercial development.I dedicate my research paper to them for all they do to provide food for our state, our nation, and the world.