The Unsettling of America

Berry offers a personal reflection on the changes that have occurred in rural communities, particularly his own in Henry County, Kentucky. He describes the farming practices of his boyhood: Small, family-run farms lived off the land and produced a variety of crops and livestock. Diversification and thrift were key aspects of this older agricultural economy, and pride in craftsmanship was a central value. Despite its imperfections, this rural way of life was sustainable and resilient, and it deeply connected to the land.

Berry laments that this way of life has largely disappeared due to industrialization and modernization. Since World War II, mechanized farming has become increasingly common as industrial interests consolidate small farms into larger holdings, and farms have become more dependent on purchased inputs and machinery. Many farms in his Henry County area, like those across America, are now the property of speculators and city dwellers. This trend leads to abandoned or deteriorating land due to a lack of manpower and resources to maintain it properly. The number of full-time farmers has decreased, and many farmers’ children leave the community for urban opportunities. The markets for minor farm products have disappeared, and small-scale farmers are unable to compete with large producers, often due to laws that favor larger, industrial operations in the name of sanitation and efficiency.