Americans Will Rediscover Farming as a Solution to Rising Prices

The skyrocketing oil prices, as well as corn and grain price increases of 2008 have caused the traditionally cheap and easy supermarket foods to become more expensive. As a result, more people than ever have turned toward locally grown. Until the middle of the last century, most people raised their own food or bought locally. Gradually, farming began to get bigger and more commercialized, and it became cheaper and easier to buy food at the grocery stores. Small farmers, unable to compete with the bigger and cheaper mega farms, were forced to sell out, making it increasingly harder to buy locally. But this trend has slowly begun to reverse itself, with more people choosing to buy from local farms or buy into CSAs. A great many towns today offer farmers markets, which sell a wide variety of products from local farms and gardens for prices now comparable to some supermarket prices. But the taste and quality of these homegrown products are far superior.

Home gardening isn't just for hobbyists anymore, and gardens don't need a lot of room to yield a good amount of produce. Small, raised beds can produce enough fresh vegetables for the table, as well as the freezer and for canning. Even those who don't have a bit of space to plant a garden raise some of their own food. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, onions, herbs and even squash are today often grown in containers on a balcony or patio. Many urban areas even have community supported gardens in what were once vacant lots and even on apartment building rooftops.

Livestock has changed dramatically since WWII as well. Before then, it was not uncommon for folks to have a small flock of chickens in their backyard for meat and eggs. Gradually, home poultry flocks began to disappear. Commercial livestock raising required a specific type for maximum yield and profit, so the majority of breeds were discarded for one or two that fit the bill. Fortunately, most of the old traditional farm breeds, known as "heritage" breeds, were preserved by dedicated enthusiasts and are making a big comeback. Their superior taste and quality hearken back to a time gone by, and their price has become affordable for the average consumer. Heritage breed turkeys are now gracing many Americans' Thanksgiving Day tables.

More and more people, both in rural and even some suburban areas, are discovering that a small flock of chickens in the backyard is not only entertaining and relaxing, but is an excellent source of fresh, healthy eggs. It is not uncommon to see a few hens scratching and pecking on suburban front lawns.

The end of cheap and easy food and travel is over, so buying local and raising your own is no longer a luxury for the wealthier and trendy types. The pendulum is swinging back to our earlier American roots, and the benefits are now far exceeding the cost.