Farm Science and Citizens

Sherman E. Johnson

No 413171, Miscellaneous Publications from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: Report Summary: The effects of technology on farm people may be both good and bad. Those who can take advantage of the new techniques are likely to increase their net incomes a great deal. On the other hand, those who cannot adapt their operations to the new conditions may find themselves at a relative disadvantage. And workers who are displaced may suffer hardships unless other employment is readily available. Those growing pains of technological progress can be softened. Special educational and other programs can be provided for those who are disadvantaged by technological changes. Progress in farm technology can result in net social gain, but this is a potentiality and not an inevitable consequence. Farm people will need to learn how to live with the new techniques, and to use them to their advantage. To attempt to stop, or even to slow down, the tide of progress would be too costly to farmers over a period of years. If farming, as well as other sectors of our economy, is rapidly adjusted to the technical improvements that become available it will be possible to produce more with less effort. More time will be available for other things including education, recreation, and increased leisure. And the real incomes per farm and per family will be larger.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Labor and Human Capital; Land Economics/Use; Livestock Production/Industries; Productivity Analysis; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 13
Date: 1947
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uersmp:413171

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.413171

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