I posted this for my subscribers years ago. Two wonderful old Lancaster Pennsylvania farmers. The time was 1979 and I was doing a documentary on the coming of the information age. I chose Lancaster as a place to look at the old times and the new times that were coming including the use of computers in the banks, the post office, and other institutions. Things were changing and I asked folks like these folks what it used to be like and how they felt about it.
It is important to know that these are my outtakes. Everything that was selected was removed from this real which I found in my basement and copied from 16mm to digital. This is what they call work print and you can see by the dirt and scratches that it was run through all time 16mm editing machines. Although it is outtakes, I left the entire clip for you to hopefully enjoy.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is known for its rich agricultural history and tradition. In the late 1970s, farmers in Lancaster were predominantly of three types: traditional family farmers, Amish and Mennonite farmers and some commercial farmers as well.
Lancaster County has been and continues to be one of the most productive non-irrigated agricultural counties in the United States. It's particularly known for its dairy farming and for the quality of its soil, part of the so-called "breadbasket" region of the country. So, despite the struggles common in farming communities (price fluctuations, weather unpredictability, changes in demand), many farms in Lancaster have historically been successful and remain so today.
Moreover, the farming community in Lancaster County is often celebrated for its sustainability efforts and stewardship of the land. This is particularly true of the Amish and Mennonite communities, which tend to prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Traditional Family Farmers: These were family-run farms, often handed down through generations. These farms grew a variety of crops and often raised livestock. The success of these farms varied, but they were an important part of the local economy and community.
Amish and Mennonite Farmers: The Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster County are well-known for their farming practices. These groups typically practice traditional, low-technology farming, often without the use of modern machinery or chemicals. These farms are typically small to medium-sized and focus on self-sufficiency and community support.
Commercial Farmers: These were larger operations, often focusing on a single crop or type of livestock. They used modern farming techniques and machinery and were a part of the larger agricultural industry. The success of these farms often depended on market prices, government policies, and other economic factors.
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David Hoffman filmmaker