What about the 1980s farmer? What qualities does he need in order to be happy and successful in his chosen field? What knowledge must he have in order to have an efficient operation that will get the most product out of the land at the least expense and still preserve the soil for future generations.
If a person wants to be a farmer, he must be close to God and the things of God that is called nature. He must be willing to work long hours in all kinds of weather and in all kinds of adversities. If he wants to raise grain, he has to be able to acquire, operate and take care of large machinery. Knowledge of mechanics, welding, and other related fields is necessary to keep down the cost of repairs. He has to know about the composition of the soil in his fields so that the proper amount of fertilizer may be applied for the greatest amount of yield.
After the grain is harvested, the big decision of whether to sell the grain or store it has to be -made. If the grain is stored, it has to be checked to make sure that it isn't being damaged by insects or moisture. He has to be familiar with wise conservation practices such as contour plowing, rotation of crops, and summer fallow to preserve this commodity that we call soil.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 113