photo of Carie Moore's father-in-law during his service years
by Carie Moore
As we recognize war veterans across the nation, we must also recognize how wars have impacted and shaped agriculture here in the United States. During the First World War many people were drafted or were moving into the urban environment leaving an agriculture labor shortage. Many women stepped up to fill the roles on the farm, which led to some amazing inventions that we still use today.
The United States still needed to feed those serving plus those left here at home who didn't get food directly from the farm.
Although they were designed more for functionality than for comfort and safety, tractors rose up during this time. The need for ice boxes, stoves and washing machines were working their way into the homes due to all the responsibilities women had on the farms with either husbands, sons or brothers overseas.
It also meant that needed crops were grown continusouly, so rotations to keep the soil healthy were discontinued. This eventually lead to bigger problems down the road.
War brought lots of changes to the dynamics of the family, the home, the nation and agriculture.
One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the value of food production to feed those here and globally. As farmers and ranchers, we have continued to grow and develop more efficiences to feed people and animals.
Farm labor will always be a discussion that is going to be held as agriculture is still a labor intensive industry. Just like those who serve have a respect for the position they chose in the armed forces, those of us in ag have respect for the position we choose in our industry as well.
It is important to honor those who have served and do serve today but also recognize those who grow the food to feed us all as well.
Carie Moore is the District 4 representative on the NDFB Promotion and Education Committee. She is a mom and farms near Rocklake, N.D.
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