farm life essay

Photo by Luanne Armstrong

Small Talk: Life on a Farm

I live on a farm that was once part forest, part swamp. I live with animals both domesticated and wild, with plants, with flowers, with a garden. My grandparents lived here, my parents, my siblings and I, and then my children too. I walk on the land every day and never get bored. There is always something new to see and learn. In the summer, I sit on my deck, which overlooks a pond, a field, and past that, the lake. Barn swallows nest over my head. Paper wasps build small grey cones among the swallow nests.

Once, I was sitting on my deck with a group of young people. A wasp came by to have a look. One young man looked up and exclaimed, “You have wasp nests up there.” I do. My excuse to friends and family is these are nonaggressive paper wasps, not yellow jackets. But I wouldn’t remove them in any case.

“All you have to do is sit still,” I said. “They will come by to see who you are. After they know you, they won’t bother you.” This poor young man gave me a look that said, very clearly, “crazy lady." But, to his credit, he didn’t move. There was so much more I wanted to tell him, but, where to start?

I wanted to tell him, “Just say hello.” Some people proclaim, “The earth is alive,” and while I sympathize with this statement, for me it is easier to say, “A wasp is alive.” Or perhaps, “Grass is alive.”

Grass is not only alive, it is responsive, and in its grass way, aware. Grass, mowed, turns into lawns, but given a chance, it will spring up and go wild in a very short time. It will cover sidewalks, parking lots, and walls. People rarely notice grass and yet they walk on grass all the time. They sit on it, lie on it. How many look down and see that the grass is alive?

Current research indicates that grass knows something. The smell of mown grass, which to the human nose seems so pleasant, is actually the smell of pheromones sent out by the grass. It is threatened, calling to pollinating insects. But we don’t hear it as that because we don’t know.

The grass is alive, I can say. But then I stop. What do I mean? Does the grass have consciousness, emotions, intelligence? I can’t tell. How to translate the grass? The grass looks inert but it is always moving. It grows, changes, exudes pheromones, and sends out root tendrils that find cracks in the strongest concrete. If I lie on the grass, does the grass say hello back from within its grass aliveness?

I may never truly know but it doesn’t matter. The realization of the aliveness of the non-human is the crack in the paradigm, a shift from understanding nature as passive, unfeeling, and mechanical, to seeing the non-human all around us as aware, a huge something in which we, as humans, participate but can never control, that we can study, become aware of, learn about and find many patterns of translation.

Everyday at our farm, this act of translation between human and non-human continues. A new horse lives at our farm. She is a rescue horse, a pretty red Arab mare that was neglected by her previous owner. I will never know what happened to her. When I come into the field, she turns her head away and won’t look at me, unlike the other horses, who watch me, ears pricked to see if I am bringing treats, or hay, or a halter. She flinches at my touch and moves away.

So I am forcing this mare, Fannie Mae, to greet me. When I go out with her hay, I hold it until she looks at me and sniffs my hand. Then she turns her head away, lays her ears back, and won’t eat unless I move off. I scratch her neck, I stand with her and breathe. Soften my own staring eyes so I lessen the predator messages my body is sending. I can interpret her behavior, but I can’t really know what her experience is, or why she behaves this way. We have no shared language but I can interpret, guess, wonder, study, and learn her body language.

Eventually, I hope, she and I will figure things out on the basis of interpretation, body/sign language, and if I’m careful and aware, we can make an agreement on how to spend time together and be at peace.

My brother takes our dogs and hikes up the mountain every day. Often he follows the tracks of the female cougar who dens high on the mountains. Often he comes across a trail where she is following him. Sometimes they see each other.

She never comes down to the farm but we are glad to have her on the mountain. There are too many deer and not enough predators. We welcome her return as a sign of an ecosystem recovering itself. My brother believes she knows him and recognizes him.

Everywhere, in small ways, such translation continues. My daughter is an urban gardener. I’m a farmer. There’s a difference, although we could argue all day about what it is. In her city garden, she planted her raspberries properly, out in the sun in good soil. But one plant reached up and across into the shadowed branches of her Gravenstein apple tree, and there it produced the earliest and fattest raspberries.

The assumption that plants and animals have no feelings was made by science, hundreds of years ago, for convenience. It’s actually a cultural assumption. It has no scientific basis. This assumption makes it easier to experiment on animals, easier to exploit them, hunt them, or use them as a “resource.” This kind of thinking has resulted in the snarled mix of contradictions, beliefs, sentimentality, superiority, and fear with which humans continue to regard and portray the non-human world.

But current research that examines plants and animals for ‘intelligence’ finds it in many new and surprising ways. Such research is finding that certain animals and plants are far more ‘intelligent’ than anyone had ever even guessed. However, intelligence is the wrong word. Consciousness is the wrong word. But science doesn’t have the right words. We have no language because plants and animals are not like humans. Such comparisons are habitual but not useful.

Nevertheless, evidence continues to grow showing that animals are smarter than humans have ever understood them to be. Baboons can distinguish between written words and gibberish. Apes can delay instant gratification longer than a human child can. They plan ahead. They make war and peace. They perform acts that indicate caring. In fact, biologist Frans De Waal has written extensively on morality and empathy in primates and other animals.

It's not just primates that demonstrate unexpected abilities. Dolphins recognize themselves in a mirror. So do elephants. Black bears can count and so can pigeons, monkeys and ravens.

It’s not just animals either.

In the words of botanist, Anthony Trewavas , plants can, “with great sensitivity compute complex aspects of their environment and change behaviour to optimize fitness within their local environment.”

This means they communicate with each other through networks, warn other plants of danger, call for help, feed other plants, or put out pheromones to attract particular insects.

I can’t really understand what goes on inside plants and animals. But I try to find out and to reach out, study, observe. Even still, I have to dwell in both the knowing and not-knowing, as listener and translator.

As a child, I was always fascinated by the many lives being lived on and around our farm: the domesticated animals we cared for and some of which we ate, or wild animals, some of which we made into pets. When I ranged over the mountainside above the farm, or along the lakeshore, I saw a variety of wildlife, from bears to hawks to ravens. Sometimes on hot afternoons, I would lie on the moss under giant Douglas firs, and part the bits of moss to see the small intense lives being lived underneath: tiny worms, beetles, larvae, or spiders.

But as an adult, more and more, I wonder about all these lives. I think about what it means to live somewhere and truly understand where I am living. The more I learn, the more complex it gets. I have always known that when I walked into the forest, voices, eyes, and ears announced my presence. Recent studies indicate that even the mighty fungi underground, mycelium, transmit my presence.

When I go into the forest, squirrels chitter from tree to tree to far away tree. Often a raven will ghost overhead, cock its head, and peer down. Now I am learning that scientific research has shown ravens can learn amazing skills, that a collie can learn over a thousand names, that parrots seem to understand what they are talking about, that plants can recognize and help each other, that an old growth tree acts as a mother tree to young trees, sending nutrients to their roots. How can I understand this? How do I acknowledge something so vast, so unknown?

I have now been wandering around the same piece of land for some sixty years and now it’s clear to me that the more I know about it, the farther away I am from understanding anything. That’s okay by me. When I was eighteen I knew everything and now, all I know is that I don’t know anything. I’d like to go back and re-read every book I ever read but I don’t have time. I do have time, however, to watch and see and listen as I go for my daily walk.

On every walk now, a particular raven comes with me, appearing overhead or perching on a tree, silent, watching me. I stop to look, to recognize this presence. I don’t know if it is a she or a he. Or why she or he comes on walks. But it does. Or they do. Yesterday there were a couple of ravens, clucking to each other in the dead craggy tree by the beach, combing beaks.

I am surrounded by beings whose behaviors, rightly or wrongly, I interpret. How do I find the invisible line between interpretation, anthropomorphism, and fantasy? My life is full of thorny ethical thickets. I keep domesticated animals. I even eat some of them. I ride horses. I work with dogs.

And when I watch animals, both domestic and wild, I interpret their behavior every day, trying to find the boundaries of a shared understanding. What do we share? Is it how our bodies move and communicate? Our senses? Plus we share land, we share an ecosystem, and I believe we share something else, a mutual recognition of being alive together.

I may think that animals don’t understand my language but I have no full understanding of “them”, what I perceive as them and no clarity about how they see me. How do I appear to them? Are they afraid of me? What language does my body exude as I wander across fields, up the mountain into the forest, in the midst of an astonishing exuberance of being, from tiny beetles to horses to cougars, from moss to giant cedar trees. Do I miss the messages and greetings coming back?

These new discoveries in science are saying look, plants and animals are different from what science previously assumed, which is different from what religions and culture have previously taught. The standard of “intelligence” or “culture” still remains a comparison with humans as ultimately superior in these areas.

Why not do research in the opposite direction? Making comparisons asks the wrong questions. Why not make the assumption that animals and plants have something; what do we call it? Aliveness? Awareness? Conscious existence? Proceed from there. Why constantly ask animals and plants, who can’t speak our languages and who have no legal standing within our courts, to prove their intelligence, their consciousness, their equality with humans? After all, do animals acknowledge our superiority? Does the grass bow before us?

What kind of knowledge do they have of us? Over generations, ravens remember people who have harmed them. Do the whales remember whaling ships? Does the prairie remember our extermination of the buffalo?

The biggest, most profound and most revolutionary shift we could move to now is to live in a world where saying hello to the grass is a sign of deepest respect and an acknowledgment of our own lack of understanding and knowledge.

It is bewildering to say simply, hello - to acknowledge the limits of translation, to acknowledge our own unknowing. Our bodies also have a kind of language. Sometimes, our bodies translate for us, simply by being alive in the world, seeing, taking it in, and loving the place we have landed for now.

Yes, we are part of the world, and the world is within us as we are within an alive and enormous network of being that looks back at us. To perceive this is at once so profound and also simple. It begins with the most obvious everyday things around you. The most radical thing you can do is to look down, look around, say hello and then begin to learn what that means.

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Farmer Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on farmer.

Farmers are the backbone of our society. They are the ones who provide us all the food that we eat. As a result, the entire population of the country depends upon farmers . Be it the smallest or the largest country. Because of them only we are able to live on the planet. Thus Farmers are the most important people in the world. Though farmers have so much importance still they do not have proper living.

Importance of farmers

Farmers have great importance in our society. They are the ones who provide us food to eat. Since every person needs proper food for their living, so they are a necessity in society.

There are different types of farmers. And they all have equal significance. First are the farmers who grow a crop like wheat, barley, rice, etc. Since the maximum intake in the Indian houses is of wheat and rice. So, the cultivation of wheat and rice is much in farming. Moreover, farmers who grow these crops are of prime importance. Second, are the ones who cultivate fruits. These farmers have to prepare the soil for different types of fruits. Because these fruits grow according to the season. Therefore the farmers need to have a great knowledge of fruits and crops. There are many other farmers who grow different other types . Furthermore, they all have to work very hard to get maximum harvesting.

In addition to the farmers contribute almost 17% of the Indian economy. That is the maximum of all. But still, a farmer is deprived of every luxury of society.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conditions of farmers in India

The condition of farmers in India is critical. We are hearing suicide news of farmers every week or month. Moreover, farmers are all living a difficult life from past years. The problem is they are not getting enough pay. Since the middlemen get most of the money, so a farmer gets nothing in hand. Moreover, farmers are not having money to send their kids to school. Sometimes the situation gets so worse that they are not even having proper food. Thus farmers go in famine. As a result, they attempt suicides.

Furthermore, the other reason for the worst condition of farmers is Global warming. Since Global Warming is hampering our planet in every way, it affects our farmers too. Because of global warming, there is a delay in season. As different crops have their own season to ripe, they are not getting nourishment. Crops need proper sunlight and rain to grow. So if the crops are not getting it they get destroyed. This is one of the main reasons why farms are getting destroyed. As a result, farmers commit suicide.

In order to save farmers, our Government is trying to provide them with various privileges. Recently the government has exempted them from all the loans. Moreover, the government pays an annual pension of Rs. 6000 to them. This helps them to at least have some earning apart from their profession. Furthermore, the government provides quotas (reservations) to their children. This ensures that their children get a proper education. All the children should get a proper education in today’s world. So that they get a chance to live a better life.

At last, farming is a profession which hard labor and effort . Moreover seeing the growing population of our country we should take initiatives to help farmers of our country.

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Essay on A Visit to a Farm

Students are often asked to write an essay on A Visit to a Farm in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on A Visit to a Farm

Introduction.

A trip to a farm is always exciting. It provides a break from city life and allows us to experience nature’s beauty.

The Journey

The journey to the farm was fun. We enjoyed the scenic beauty of the countryside, with its lush green fields and clear blue sky.

Experiencing Farm Life

On the farm, we saw various animals like cows, hens, and goats. We also observed farmers working in the fields.

The visit to the farm was an educational and enjoyable experience. It made us appreciate the hard work of farmers.

250 Words Essay on A Visit to a Farm

A visit to a farm is an eye-opening experience that offers a unique perspective on the intricate processes of agriculture. This essay provides an account of such a visit, highlighting its enlightening aspects.

The journey to the farm was an adventure in itself, with the scenic countryside serving as a picturesque backdrop. As the urban landscape gradually faded, replaced by rolling fields and rustic farmhouses, the connection with nature became more profound.

The Farm Life

Upon arrival, the farm presented a vibrant tableau of agricultural life. The farm was a self-sustaining ecosystem, where each element, from livestock to crops, played a crucial role. The sight of farmers toiling in the fields, their faces etched with lines of hard work and determination, was a poignant reminder of the labor that goes into producing the food we often take for granted.

The Learning Experience

The visit was a learning experience, offering insights into sustainable farming practices, crop rotation, and the importance of biodiversity. It was fascinating to see how the farm managed its resources efficiently, minimizing waste, and promoting a balanced ecosystem.

In conclusion, a visit to a farm is not just a leisurely excursion, but an opportunity to understand the backbone of our food system. It underscores the importance of sustainable farming, and the role each of us can play in supporting it, thereby contributing to a healthier planet.

500 Words Essay on A Visit to a Farm

A visit to a farm is an enlightening experience, offering a glimpse into the rustic charm of rural life while highlighting the intricate processes that underpin our food systems. The experience is not only recreational but also educational, especially for those who are disconnected from the agricultural roots of society.

The Rustic Charm and Serenity

Upon arrival, one is immediately struck by the farm’s tranquility. The usual cacophony of urban life gives way to the serene symphony of nature. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the lowing of cattle replace the honking of cars and the hum of city traffic. The air is fresher, devoid of the pollution that plagues the city, and the landscape is a vibrant tapestry of green fields and blue skies, a stark contrast to the monotonous grey of urban landscapes.

The Cycle of Life

A farm visit provides a firsthand look at the cycle of life. From the planting of seeds to the harvesting of crops, one gains an appreciation for the labor and patience that goes into food production. The sight of livestock, such as cows, chickens, and sheep, further underscores the interconnectedness of life on the farm. These animals not only provide food but also contribute to the farm’s ecosystem through natural processes like fertilization and pest control.

Understanding Sustainable Farming Practices

For the environmentally conscious, a farm visit offers insight into sustainable farming practices. Organic farms, for instance, shun synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, opting instead for natural alternatives. They also employ crop rotation and companion planting techniques to maintain soil fertility and manage pests. These practices not only preserve the environment but also yield healthier produce.

The Human Element

Interacting with the farm’s inhabitants, both human and animal, is another highlight of a farm visit. Farmers, with their weather-beaten hands and earth-stained clothes, embody a life of toil and commitment to the land. Their stories offer valuable lessons about resilience, hard work, and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. The animals, with their innocence and simplicity, bring joy and a sense of connection to other forms of life.

In conclusion, a visit to a farm is a rich and rewarding experience that provides a window into a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, gain a deeper understanding of our food systems, and appreciate the hard work that goes into sustaining life. It is an experience that stays with you, subtly shaping your perspectives on life and your place in the world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Circus
• Essay on A Visit to a Circus
• Essay on My Favourite Trip

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Being a Farm Kid

Hick, backwards, redneck, stupid, bumpkin. These are all fine names given to persons that work to feed and clothe the world by certain persons who have no idea what they are talking about. However, there are some people that know very well what it really means to live the life of an agriculturalist. Those that know the best are the ones that have grown up on farms. Being a farm kid means that I know everyone within five miles of where I live. It also means knowing all of their quirks, and the quirks of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. By just hearing a last name, I can usually assume the character of that person. We also have to overlook those things at times for the sake of neighborliness. Neighborliness takes on many forms, be it pulling cars out of ditches or clearing driveways after snowstorms, to taking food to a neighbor after a death or illness. Being a farm kid also means having a sense of tradition. It’s being able to stand atop a windmill tower and see, in one broad glance, the farms where my great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and I, myself, grew up. A true farm kid calls areas by long gone one-room schools and pieces of property by the families that farmed the land in their parents’ youth, such as “the Teiges’ place” or “north of Liberty Center School (which closed in the 1940’s).” I can also walk through the local cemetery and know 99% of the names. Not only that, but I can also pronounce the pure German, or other nationality, names that trip up even the best telemarketer. Being a farm kid instills me with a sense of pride. A true farm kid, while maybe a little ornery, will be a good person and a responsible citizen for the simple fact that a person should be. A farm kid finds the reaction people give when they figure out his dad has a master’s degree amusing. It also means taking pride in agriculture. A farm kid’s blood will almost always boil at the thought of animal activists and “pure food” yuppies. Being a farm kid means being spiritual. In addition to being spiritual, the church is often the central social hub for the community and plays a big part in rural life. Be it 5th Sunday dinners, weekly church services, or Vacation Bible School, a farm kid’s life would be incomplete without church. But a farm kid’s spirituality goes much further than just words on Sunday morning. Farming brings together human and earth more than any other profession. Whether it’s watching a summer storm roll across the northern part of the county from a hilltop, or running among the rows of wheat, soybeans, or milo, farm life constantly fills a person with wonder at the power of whatever being put this silly planet together. Being a farm kid means doing work. A farm kid may spend his weekends, summer, and free time doing any number of tasks, from helping with harvest to clearing brush out of a pasture. We are also expected to complete these things in a timely manner and with very little complaining. Farm kids will also find themselves at play amongst machinery and chemicals. They will soon learn to be safe, though, whether it’s by being yelled at for getting to close to the chainsaw or being told that the fly liquid that goes on the calves will kill you. I also learned that shorts mean scratched up legs, but I still wear them. Being a farm kid means living a hard life. At an early age, farm kids realize that death is a fact of life, whether it’s the calf that wasn’t born right or the raccoon that got in the hen house. At times, it feels like the little valley that I call home and have, on so many occasions, been glad to see, is like an enclosure keeping me there. Farm kids also learn early about finances because farm parents don’t try hard to keep talks about money behind closed doors. While most kids won’t have to hear about complete financial devastation, it can be a little frightening at times. When it comes to a social life, a farm kid’s is limited, at best, due to the seclusion of the country. My curfew is always 30 minutes sooner than what my parents say because it will take me at least that long to get home. There is also the age-old question for male farm kids: “Will you return to the farm?” Most kids don’t really decide what they will do when they grow up until their junior year of high school at the earliest, but farm kids are faced with this question from the time they can talk. And it’s no easy decision. While farm life isn’t easy, it offers a way of living that defines a person. The next time you hear a person talking about hicks or rednecks, remember that farm kids are normal people. We might live a hard life, but that we enjoy it. Oh, and you’d be naked and hungry without us.

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Farmer Essay | The Life of a Farmer Essay & Paragraphs

Here are a dozen of essays and paragraphs of various lengths on “ A Farmer ” and “ The Life of a Farmer “. In these essays, the life of a farmer and his joys and sorrows are depicted in simple words. We think that these will be useful for different classes of students in the school. Some paragraphs begin with indicative questions and keywords that indicate the context in which they are discussed.

Table of Contents

The Life of a Farmer: 1500-words Essay for Students

By: Haque | For HSC/GCE A-Level/HS 3-4 students

Introduction

Farming is an essential part of human civilization and has been practiced for thousands of years. It is the backbone of our food supply, and without it, we would not be able to sustain ourselves. A farmer is a person who cultivates crops or raises livestock for food, fiber, or other products. The life of a farmer is a challenging one, and it requires hard work, dedication, and a deep connection to the land.

In this essay, we will explore the life of a farmer, their history, and the challenges they face. We will look at the daily routine of a farmer, the economic and environmental challenges they face, and the future of farming. Through this essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of farmers and their importance in our lives.

History of farming

Farming has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years, and it has undergone significant changes over time. In the early days, farming was a simple process that involved clearing land, planting crops, and harvesting them. As human populations grew, farming practices became more sophisticated, leading to the development of tools and machinery to make the process easier.

The agricultural revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries brought about significant changes in farming practices. The development of new technology such as the plow, seed drill, and threshing machine made farming more efficient and productive. This allowed farmers to produce more food, which in turn led to population growth and the growth of cities.

In the 20th century, the development of new farming technologies such as tractors, combines, and irrigation systems further increased productivity. These advancements allowed farmers to produce more food with less labor, which helped to feed a growing population.

Today, farming continues to evolve, with the use of precision agriculture, genetic engineering, and other advanced technologies. These new technologies are helping to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of farming.

Overall, the history of farming is a story of innovation and adaptation to changing circumstances. From the earliest days of human civilization to the present day, farmers have been essential to our survival and have played a crucial role in shaping our world.

The daily life of a farmer

The daily life of a farmer can vary greatly depending on the type of farming they do and the season. However, there are certain tasks that most farmers perform regularly, such as feeding and caring for animals, planting and harvesting crops, and maintaining equipment and facilities.

A typical day for a farmer begins early in the morning, usually before sunrise. They may begin by feeding and caring for their animals, such as milking cows, feeding chickens, or checking on livestock. After this, they may move on to tasks such as repairing equipment or checking and maintaining irrigation systems.

During the growing season, planting and harvesting crops are the primary tasks. This may involve plowing, tilling, or fertilizing the soil, planting seeds or seedlings, and watering and maintaining the crops. Harvesting involves picking, cutting, or gathering the crops and then cleaning and storing them for sale or later use.

In addition to physical labor, farming also requires a significant amount of mental and emotional energy. Farmers must constantly monitor the weather, market conditions, and other factors that can affect their crops or animals. They must also manage finances, maintain relationships with suppliers and buyers, and keep up with regulations and other legal requirements.

The physical demands of farming can be significant, and farmers must be in good physical condition to handle the work. They may also work long hours and have to deal with extreme weather conditions, such as hot summer days or freezing winter nights.

Overall, the daily life of a farmer is one of hard work and dedication, with a deep connection to the land and a commitment to providing food and other products for their community.

Economic challenges of farming

Farming is not just a way of life, but also a business. Farmers must be able to produce crops or raise animals at a profit in order to sustain their livelihood. However, the economic challenges of farming can make it difficult to turn a profit, and many farmers struggle to make ends meet.

One of the main economic challenges faced by farmers is the volatility of crop and livestock prices. The price of agricultural products can fluctuate greatly based on factors such as weather, supply and demand, and international trade agreements. This can make it difficult for farmers to predict their income and plan for the future.

In addition to price fluctuations, farmers also face rising costs of production. The cost of equipment, fertilizer, seed, and other inputs can be significant, and it can be difficult for farmers to keep up with these costs without raising their prices.

Another economic challenge faced by farmers is access to credit. Many farmers need loans in order to purchase equipment or cover other expenses, but it can be difficult to secure credit in a timely manner, especially for small or new farmers.

To overcome these challenges, farmers may need to develop creative solutions. This may involve diversifying their crops or products, investing in new technology to increase efficiency, or forming cooperatives with other farmers to reduce costs and increase bargaining power. Some farmers also turn to alternative sources of income, such as agritourism or value-added products like jams or artisanal cheese.

Overall, the economic challenges of farming can be significant, but farmers who are able to adapt and innovate can succeed in this challenging but vital industry.

Environmental challenges of farming

Farming has a significant impact on the environment, and farmers must be aware of the potential environmental challenges that can arise from their practices. Some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by farmers today include soil erosion, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.

Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge for farmers, especially those who engage in monoculture or tillage practices. These practices can strip the soil of vital nutrients and lead to soil erosion, which can result in reduced crop yields and long-term damage to the land.

Water pollution is another significant environmental challenge for farmers, particularly those who use fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can leach into groundwater or run off into streams and rivers, polluting the water and harming aquatic life. In addition, overuse of water can lead to depletion of aquifers, causing long-term damage to the water supply.

Loss of biodiversity is also a concern for farmers, particularly those who engage in large-scale monoculture practices. These practices can lead to a reduction in the variety of plant and animal species in a particular area, which can have negative impacts on ecosystem health and resilience.

To address these environmental challenges, farmers can adopt a range of practices that help to reduce their impact on the environment. For example, they can use cover crops or no-till farming techniques to reduce soil erosion, plant buffer zones along waterways to reduce runoff, and implement integrated pest management practices to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

In addition, many farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture practices that focus on building soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing environmental impacts. By using these approaches, farmers can improve the sustainability of their practices and help to preserve the environment for future generations.

The future of farming

The future of farming is likely to be shaped by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Some of the key trends that are likely to impact the industry in the coming years include advances in technology, changing consumer preferences, and increasing concerns about sustainability.

One of the most important drivers of change in farming is likely to be the adoption of new technologies. Advances in precision agriculture, automation, and artificial intelligence are already helping farmers to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve productivity. These technologies are likely to continue to evolve and become more widespread, changing the way that farmers work and interact with the environment.

Changing consumer preferences are also likely to shape the future of farming. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it is produced, and they are placing greater emphasis on factors such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and social responsibility. Farmers who are able to meet these demands are likely to be more successful in the marketplace.

Finally, concerns about sustainability are likely to continue to be a major driver of change in the farming industry. As the impacts of climate change become more severe, farmers will need to find ways to adapt to changing conditions and reduce their environmental footprint. This may involve adopting new practices that help to build soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase biodiversity.

Overall, the future of farming is likely to be characterized by a combination of technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and increasing focus on sustainability. Farmers who are able to adapt to these trends and find new ways to produce food and other agricultural products in a more sustainable and efficient way will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.

Farming is a vital industry that plays a critical role in feeding the world’s population and supporting rural communities. However, it is also an industry that faces a range of challenges, from economic and environmental pressures to changing consumer demands and technological advancements.

Despite these challenges, farmers continue to find innovative solutions and adapt to changing conditions, ensuring that they can produce the food and other agricultural products that we all rely on. By adopting new technologies, focusing on sustainability, and responding to changing consumer preferences, farmers can ensure that they are able to succeed in the years to come.

As we look to the future, it is clear that farming will continue to be a critical industry that plays an essential role in feeding the world’s population and supporting rural communities. By supporting farmers and working together to address the challenges they face, we can ensure that the future of farming is bright and sustainable for generations to come.

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The Life of a Farmer Essay | Essay on the Farmers of Bangladesh

Sentences: 37, Words: 350, Characters: 1,879

Introduction:   Bangladesh is an agricultural country. Eighty-five percent of the people of the country live in the villages. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. The farmers of Bangladesh lead a very simple life. They are very poor. They earn their livelihood by the sweat of their brow.

His daily Activities: The farmer works hard in the field. He rises early in the morning and goes to the field with his plow on his shoulder. Then he begins plowing. A small child comes to the field at about 8 a.m. with his breakfast which is often a bowl of Panta. He takes his breakfast often with Kuncha Lanka and eats with great satisfaction. He then begins his work again. When he feels too tired, he takes a smoke in his Hokka.

He returns from the field at noon. He bathes and then takes his mid-day meal. This meal is too often a poor one. But he takes it with great relish. After his meal, he can’t give any rest to his body. He goes to the field again and works until sunset. He returns home in the evening. He works for an hour or two and takes his supper. Very soon he goes to bed and falls asleep. So, the life of a farmer in our country is a life of continuous toil.

Condition of the Farmer: The farmers are illiterate. They are poor. Though they work hard, they live from hand to mouth. Many farmers are landless. They plow the land of other people and get half share of it. They suffer from many diseases. Sometimes drought or flood damages their crops. So, they sell lands and take money from the village Mahajans at a high rate of interest. But we hardly realize this truth.

Importance of his Service: The farmers grow crops for the whole nation. Thus the whole nation lives on their labor.

Conclusion: We should take measures to improve the condition of the farmers. Farmers should not be neglected. They should be given agricultural loans at a low rate of interest.

Farmer Essay | Essay on the Farmers of Bangladesh

By: Haque , Words: 425, For Class 9-10/SSC

Introduction: Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country. Most of the people of this country live by cultivation. So there is no doubt that the development of the country depends on the welfare of farmers and the improvement of agricultural production.

Present Condition of Farmers: Though a major portion of the country’s population is farmers, we cannot say that the farmers of this country are in a good condition. There are some reasons behind their miserable condition. First of all, a common characteristic of the farmers of Bangladesh is illiteracy. As the farmers are illiterate, they cannot make proper use of their resources and use scientific methods of cultivation. Besides, they are deceived and exploited at every step. Secondly, the agriculture of this country depends on the mercy of nature. Shortage of rain or excessive rain affects the agriculture of the country adversely. Thirdly, inadequate measures on the part of the government to protect the farmers and their interest has also been a reason behind the bad condition of the farmers of Bangladesh.

Farmers of the Country in the Past: Bangladesh has been famous as a fertile country for centuries. In history, we find the records of prosperous peasantry and fertility of this country. The famous world trotter Ibne Batuta visited this land during the regime of Shaista Khan and mentioned this country as very prosperous. But the condition of the farmers deteriorated after the occupation of power by the English. The farmers were oppressed and deprived of their rights. Then the English left the country and subsequently the country got independence, but the fate of the peasantry of this country has changed a little. The regime changed, the ruler changed but there has been little change in the pattern of rule. We are still bearing the heritage of English rule and the colonial ruling policies.

How to Develop the Fate of the Farmers: Certain things need to be done for improving the fate of the peasants of the country. First of all, steps should be taken to literate the farmers and make them aware of the latest technology of cultivation. Secondly, farmers should be given proper assistance and subsidy where necessary. Lastly, required modifications should be brought about in the government policies and laws to protect the interest of the farmers of the country.

Conclusion: There is no doubt that agriculture is the heart of the economy of the country. If the farmers of the country prosper, the country will prosper eventually. So, we should actively try to develop the agriculture of the country.

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Farmer Essay | Life of a Farmer Essay, 500 Words

By: Haque ; For class: 9,10,11,12; 11-02-’22

Introduction: Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country. Most of the people of this country live by cultivation. The work of a farmer is to cultivate the land and to grow different crops, vegetables, and fruits. This work is very important for this country. Farmers supply the nation with food.

General Condition of Farmers in Bangladesh: The life of a farmer is a difficult one. Though a major portion of the country’s population is farmers, we cannot say that the farmers of this country are in a good condition. Their life is full of uncertainty and peril. Most of the farmers of Bangladesh cultivate the land of landlords. They get only a portion of what they grow. The growth of crops largely depends on the sun and rain. When there are no rainfall or rain delays, the production in their land is adversely affected. Agricultural production can also be affected by insects, pests, birds, animals, and other natural determinants. Then the farmers have to bear the brunt of it. But when they get a good harvest they can live at ease for the time being.

Activities of Farmers: The farmers of our country remain busy most of the year in their fields in plowing, harrowing, sowing seeds, putting insecticides and fertilizers, weeding, and harvesting. When there is no cultivation, then most of the farmers keep themselves busy in household work and in handicraft. They make different types of baskets, fences around their houses and fields and do other types of work.

Daily Life of a Farmer: A farmer is usually very hardworking. He gets up very early in the morning. During the cultivation season, he goes to work before the daybreak after having a little breakfast or whatever food he may find in the house. Sometimes, he even goes out on an empty stomach. He has to work very hard in his field. Usually, he carries his lunch to the field or any of his children take it for him at noon. He does not return home till nightfall. At that time he returns with a very tired body. Then he takes bath and goes to the market for buying his daily necessities. After returning from the market he is usually found to chat in the nearby tea stall with his friends or people of the locality while having tea and little snacks. It is his favorite pastime. Here he gets information about the events that took place in the locality. Sometimes, the discussions lead to different national and international matters. After that, he takes his meal ‘with his family members and goes to bed early because he will have to go to his work again the next day very early in the morning. After the harvest season, he can work in a somewhat relaxed mood and engage himself in some other activities such as making baskets, fishing, weaving fishing nets, putting fences around his house and fields, etc.

Conclusion: In spite of such hard labor, a farmer can earn very little. He is often poor and illiterate. Most of the farmers cannot feed their families well or send their children to school. Their lives are devoid of modern facilities of living. So, the government should take steps to improve the living standard of farmers.

A Farmer Paragraph, 100 Words

Sentences: 11, Words: 100, Characters: 530

Write a paragraph on ‘A Farmer’ or ‘The life of a farmer’ in about 100 words answering the following questions:

• Who is a farmer?
• Where does a farmer live?
• What does he do?
• How does he serve us?
• Is a farmer rich or poor, usually?

He, who produces crops cultivating land, is called a farmer. A farmer provides food to the people of the country. Therefore, a farmer is the driving force of a country’s economy. They are hardworking. A farmer wakes up before dawn every day. Then he goes to the field with the cows and the plow. To produce crops, he burns in the sun and gets wet in the rain. They feed the country but do not get enough to eat themselves. They live below the poverty line. It’s very sad. We need to try to improve the living standards of farmers.

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A Farmer Paragraph for Class 3

Sentences: 20, Words: 100, Characters: 532

The person who grows crops is a farmer. A farmer is a very hardworking person. He provides food to the people of the country. He gets up very early in the morning and goes to the field. He grows paddy, wheat, jute, potato, tomato, brinjal, and more. He works hard all day long. Most of the time he works under the hot sun. Sometimes he works in the rain, too. A farmer keeps a nation’s economy wheel moving. But the farmer himself lives in poverty and sorrow. This is a matter of shame. The livelihood of farmers should be improved.

A Farmer Paragraph, 150 Words

Sentences: 17, Words: 150, Characters: 789

Write a paragraph on ‘A Farmer’ or ‘The Life of a Farmer’ on the basis of the questions given below:

• Does he usually get enough to eat?
• Do you like a farmer’s work? Why?

A farmer is a man who cultivates land and works in the field. Bangladesh is an agricultural country. Eighty percent of people are farmers. A farmer in our country lives in a village. His home is generally made of corrugated iron sheets or straws and mud. He rises early in the morning and goes to the field with his plow and a pair of bullocks. He plows his land till noon. Then he comes back home to take a meal. After taking meal he again goes to the field and works till sun-set. A farmer works very hard. He works from morning till evening. But usually, he does not get enough to eat. He lives from hand to mouth. He also suffers from many diseases. I like a farmer’s work because he lives an honest life. He also supplies food for the nation. The countrymen should pay respect to him.

A Paragraph on a Farmer / The Life of a Farmer, 170 Words

Sentences: 15, words: 170, Characters: 904

A farmer is a person who cultivates lands and grows crops. The life of a farmer is a very ordinary life. He works in the field all day, ignoring the sun and rain. Very early in the morning, he goes to the field with cows and a plow. When the harvest is ripe, the farmer has a sickle in his hand and a smile on his face. Thus he harvests two or three times a year. He worked hard all his life. When a natural disaster destroys his crop, the farmer’s grief knows no bounds. On the other hand, a good harvest fills his mind with joy, he shares his joy with his neighbors. Farmers usually live in thatched houses. They can’t afford to spend extra. He has to sell paddy to buy clothes. The children of farmers can’t study much due to scarcity. There is no opportunity for traveling or entertainment in their life. Therefore, the government needs to come forward to improve the living standards of the farmers.

A Paragraph on the Life of a Farmer, 200 Words

Sentences: 19, Words: 200, Characters: 1065.

• What percentage of the people in your country are engaged in agriculture?
• How do you see the life of a farmer?
• Describe how a rural farmer in Bangladesh cultivates land.
• What are the means of entertainment in the life of a farmer?

Bangladesh is an agricultural country. Eighty-five percent of people living in agriculture. The farmers of Bangladesh are not rich. They lead a very simple life. They earn their livelihood by the sweat of their brow. A farmer works hard, from dawn to dusk. Waking up very early in the morning, he starts towards the field with a pair of cows and a plow on his shoulder. Then he begins plowing his land. After a while, his young son or daughter comes to the field with a bowl of rice. Then the farmer takes his breakfast which consists of a dish of Panta rice. At noon, he returns home, takes his bath, and mid-day meal. Then he starts again and returns home in the evening. He goes to bed early. Some farmers have a radio set. So, at night he, along with other members of the family, listens to the radio. He took part in social and religious festivals to a limited extent. A farmer can’t live a good life despite his hard work. His heart is filled with joy if he gets a bumper crop. He forgets all his pain when he sees his young children playing in the courtyard.

An Ideal Farmer Paragraph, 200 Words

Sentences: 22, Words: 200, Characters: 1042.

An ideal farmer is an important person in society who plays a big role in the economy of the country by producing food. To be an ideal farmer, one must possess some qualities. I have known an ideal farmer for a long time. He lives in our village. His name is Jamal. He has to maintain a big family. He has a few acres of land of his own. His life is a life of endless struggle. He is strong and healthy. He is very simple and hard working. He gets up from bed early in the morning and goes to the field. He works there till sunset. He works very hard all day long in the sun and the rain. He plants many crops and looks after them carefully. He also grows vegetables. He consults with the agriculture officer if he finds any problem in the field. He is very diligent and works hard to maintain his family. However, he remains satisfied with what he gets. He knows the modern method of cultivation. He looks after his children carefully and enjoys all the social festivals. He is an asset to our country. The nation needs such an ideal farmer.

Paragraph on an Ideal Farmer / Life of a Farmer Paragraph, 200 Words

Sentences: 16, Words: 200, Characters: 1106

An ideal farmer cultivates land and grows crops. He is an important person in our country. Usually, he lives in a house made of corrugated tin or straw in a village. An ideal farmer lives a very simple life. He earns his living through hard work. He wakes up very early in the morning, takes a little breakfast, and goes to the field with a wooden plow and a pair of cows. Sometimes he doesn’t get time for lunch because of his busy schedule. The source of a farmer’s joy and sorrow is his land. He is cheerful when the crop is good, on the other hand, he suffers when the crop is ruined by drought, flood, or hailstorm. But despite working hard, a farmer can’t meet the basic needs of his family. In addition, in our society, a farmer is considered a low-class citizen, which is very unfair. In fact, an ideal farmer is a great asset to our society. The farmers provide us with food. He contributes to the economy of the country. Therefore, the government should take appropriate steps to improve the living standards of our farmers. Because our national development depends on the development of farmers.

A Farmer Composition

115 Words, for Class-3

A farmer is a person who grows crops. Our life is completely dependent on him. A farmer is usually poor. He leads a very busy life. He is strong and hardworking. He gets up early and goes to the field. There he works all day long. He works under the hot sun and in the rain. Thus, he grows crops like paddy, jute, tea, potato, etc. We eat these foods and survive. without him, we cannot exist in this world. he becomes happy when the harvest is good. he suffers a lot when the harvest is not good due to natural disasters. A farmer grows crops for us. We are grateful to him. We must respect him.

For Class-7

A farmer is a person who plows lands and grows crops. A good farmer works hard in his fields. He gets up early in the morning and goes to the field with his plow and bullocks. He plows his field many times. He puts cow dung and puts fertilizers on his field. He waters and irrigates his lands in time. He plants seedlings in rows and grows a lot of crops. A farmer serves the nation. He does not have his due honor in society. We should be respectful to a farmer and the government should take necessary steps to improve the skills of the farmers.

Check out: 300+ Essays & Paragraphs in English

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A teacher, writer and blogger, started allparagraph noting students search online for paragraphs on various topics, short and simple essays , edifying stories and other materials of study . In composing these lessons we have tried to use as simple language as possible, keeping young students in mind. If you find any text inappropriate, please let us know so we can make it more useful through necessary corrections and modifications. Thank you!

2 thoughts on “Farmer Essay | Life of a Farmer Essay & Paragraph”

I want a farmer composition on 500 words🙂🥺

Thank you. Here we have written a 500-word essay about farmers, though not a composition. There is no big difference between essays and composition. One has subtitles, the other doesn’t—that’s the difference. However, we will soon add a 500-word composition for you.

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Small-Scale Farming Shouldn’t Just Be a Hobby. So Why Is It So Hard to Make a Living? 

Farmers are driven by a desire to be productive. But as running a small farm feels increasingly precarious, many are being driven into the ground. 

I noticed it when first learning farming 14 years ago, traveling around small diverse vegetable farms in the US and Ecuador. Small farms that made all their household income from the farm struggled the most, despite selling something we all need—food .

This especially applied if farmers weren’t wealthy beforehand, weren’t running their business like a hobby or didn’t have substantial side income. Nevertheless, these farms were honorably scraped together from nothing, their growers much like passionate artists in the field; their art: beautiful, healthy local food. But although they worked as hard and long as the founders of successful companies, making the same personal sacrifices, these farmers couldn’t seem to even earn a decent living off farm income alone. Still, they were driven—by something, if not for money.

My biggest takeaway from those years? “When I start my own farm, I will need to have off-farm income to live a balanced, happy life.” When I started Jupiter Ridge Farm in 2017, I did—and still do, like many traditional family farms. But why is it like this? Why is running a small-scale farm more like an expensive hobby? And what does this mean for the future of our food?

Ben Saunders started Wabi Sabi Farm near Des Moines, Iowa in 2013, drawing enough customers to live off diverse vegetable farm income for about 10 years. He said some communities can support local food farmers this way; that’s not the case with Iowa now.

“Single person, no student loans… I could live on very little,” says Saunders. Of his farm’s name, he says, “Wabi Sabi is a belief system recognizing the imperfect beauty in nature… the natural cycles of growth and decay.” Although principally operating as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Saunders also worked with food pantries. “I didn’t care about having straight rows… I wanted to produce food for people.”

In early 2023, however, he closed his doors forever. Unpredictable weather and the changing local food scene plagued him. CSA memberships dropped as door-to-door meal prep companies boomed. Farmers markets became less about farmers and more like craft shows packed with food trucks. His personal life suffered; long hours meant little time for family, friends, relationships. “I had to get out,” he says. 

“I wanted to produce food for people,” says Ben Saunders of his time running Wabi Sabi Farm . (Photo courtesy of Ben Saunders )

He didn’t fully walk away from farming, in a sense. He now works full-time for a commercial greenhouse, still driven to grow—just for somebody else. Would his farm still be in operation if the business were more sustainable? “I had a feeling it could have been, yes.”

Increasingly, small farm businesses are becoming less profitable, data suggests, and must be run more like hobby farms. Some small farms are even classified as hobby farms by default (10 acres or less in some areas), may lose agricultural tax or property benefits and not be legally considered a farm, despite producing food for their local communities. Per the 2021 Ag Census , data also showed that, from 2011 to 2021, small farmers were increasingly likely to operate as high-risk businesses.

Although long a reality of farming life, more and more small farms are turning into businesses that need side income to survive. Even midsize and large family farms operators tend to have a more lucrative off-farm job or a spouse with side income. While many family farms may say this is just part of the lifestyle, it represents the diminishing value we assign to farm labor and the difficult math of small-scale farming.

Nevertheless, full-time farm life is attractive and paints an idyllic picture. The rewards are great: a connection with nature, eating healthy, an appealing countryside lifestyle. But lurking in the background can be endless worry, stress and financial strife when the farm is the farmer’s sole income stream. Some farmers I’ve spoken to amass debt they couldn’t pay back to stay open. Major repairs were unaffordable. There was no personal time— each step off farm could trigger massive anxiety. Summer vacation? Impossible. Personal lives and relationships? In jeopardy, or nonexistent.

What’s clear though is that some farmers, even when not making ends meet, can’t stop. Growing food for your local community can be an itch that needs scratching. I can attest to this, and so can Jordan Scheibel, who started his small diverse vegetable business Middle Way Farm in central Iowa back in 2013. He, too, announced he was closing in 2023— but not forever.

“Despite the burnout, despite the lack of profitability… it’s quite personal,” he says of taking a year’s hiatus to reopen in 2024. Lack of family time and financial struggles were present, but these weren’t at the heart of the problem. 

Jordan Scheibel experienced burnout while operating his diverse vegetable farm. (Photos courtesy of Jordan Scheibel)

In 2020, Middle Way Farm scaled up rapidly to meet the pandemic local food boom. His passion for growing tapped this urgency to meet demand— but threatened his farming endurance capacity altogether, and thus the business’s long-term future. “I was well aware, on some level, of all of these problems the whole time,” he adds. “I was working too much, and I didn’t think it was ever going to improve… Really, for me, until I decided to step back, [the impulse to farm] was what was pushing me.”

A 2017 Guardian article described an ‘agrarian imperative theory’ whereby farmers have a strong urge to supply essentials for human life, such as food, and to hold on to their land at all costs. “When farmers can’t fulfill this instinctual purpose, they feel despair,” the article reads. “Thus, within the theory lies an important paradox: The drive that makes a farmer successful is the same that exacerbates failure”— economic failure. And it’s not the fault of the farmer. Our food economy is built on farm life amnesia: The lifestyle is romanticized, but the real labor (and those willing to do it) is hidden from view. The farming lifestyle is admired, marketed, monetized—while local food farmers, especially small-scale operators, and agricultural labor are pushed deeper into the shadows.

Small and family farm numbers are dropping, and even the most dedicated growers are run ragged by the economic reality. From 2012 to 2017, the US lost almost 54,000 small family farms. All this is ironic: Urbanites may be longing for “farm life” since the pandemic, but consumers largely don’t go out of their way to support farmers directly—whether due to the high prices some small farmers must set, issues of convenience or other factors—and thus support this lifestyle they admire. Buying direct from full-time small local farmers helps whenever possible, whether at farmers markets or through CSA memberships. If you run a food-related business or institution such as a restaurant, grocer or university kitchen, sourcing directly from farmers can be especially impactful.

(Photos courtesy of Adrian White)

Scheibel also mentions pressure from similar yet bigger, more profit-focused farms, to scale up. Only, these farms closed before his. “They were profitable,” says Scheibel. “But they were never satisfied…They felt they were putting in the amount of work where they deserved to earn a lot more than that. Because most people who put in that amount of work would be CEOs.” 

Wealthy, business-minded people are getting drawn to agriculture– Bill Gates, Thomas Peterrfy, Dan Barber , to name a few; an interest to become the farmer, rather than support the farmer, is on the rise. This could be good, although the prospect of small, local food farming getting “gentrified” into hobby farms (by the people who can afford it) looms in my head. But I do know that farming demands something beyond business acumen to be successful. 

Long-term, sustainable, small-scale farm businesses don’t survive if there isn’t passion there, that drive and “farmer’s impulse” no money could make up for. “Being able to paint on a landscape… and every year you get to re-make that… it’s extremely satisfying,” says Scheibel. “But, yeah… that’s an impulse. That’s separate from running the business.” And that’s not to say wealthy would-be farmers can’t hear the farm call, get the itch.

Maybe we’re evolved to be farmers; maybe it’s in our DNA. But if you feel called to enter the local food marketplace, be prepared to collaborate— not compete—with farmers from all backgrounds to improve the local food market and survivability rates of others like you. Because we are an endangered species. And we can’t afford to shove each other out of what tiny natural habitat we have left.

“[Farming] has to exist,” says Scheibel. “Because it’s needed. It’s absolutely necessary. But to actually do it on a scale… where you feel connected and integrated into what you’re doing… is not ‘profitable.’ And that’s where we’re at.”

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What if the farm bill subsidized small farmers as much as soy and corn? What if America provided Healthcare and a universal income to citizens. We could pay for that if we cut spending on the industrial war complex and taxed the ultra wealthy.

This article is not accurate and frustrating to read. I farm in North Carolina on a 1/3 of an acre and know plenty of farmers producing food on an acre or less that are making a good living without off-farm income. They cover their costs, pay themselves a living wage and produce tons of food for their communities. Yes we are losing farm land. Because the development value of the land is way higher than a new farmer looking for property to farm can afford. And just like any small business, farmers have to learn to grow smarter, not harder. …  Read more »

There is no reason why small-scale farming can’t be profitable. But the reality is that typical profit margins in agriculture – at any scale – are 10-15% of gross sales at best. So you’re not going to support your family on a farm that grosses $100,000 without off-farm income. It’s not that small farming isn’t feasible, but you need to have realistic expectations.

This is a lovely article that definitely helps for those of us who feel this way. During 2020 and 2021, CSAs went up to help the displaced cost of lack of markets. But now the markets are busy and there is a lack of CSAs. We have to grow each year in a completely different way to support a different thing. And now we sell to CSAs farmers markets, other produce box programs, small market vendors and restaurants. There just isn’t an industry that has to do what farmers have to do to be a small business. There isn’t grants …  Read more »

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City Life vs Country Life: Essay on Similarities and Differences

City life vs country life essay: introduction, similarities between city life and country life, country life vs city life: compare/contrast, farm vs city: conclusion.

Living on a farm has been described by many people as the best experience one may have. Some say it is cheap and healthy, while others claim that people brought up on farms have good family values. Yet, people like comparing farm life vs. city life. Some believe living in the city is much better due to the particular lifestyle. Their claims are based on the numerous opportunities people have in the city compared to those who live on the farms.

The main purpose of this persuasive essay is to contrast life on the farm to life in the city. By looking at rural and urban lifestyles, this paper will compare farms to cities to decide whether one option is better than the other. First, the essay looks at the similarities between them. Then, it reviews the difference between city life and country life. It concludes that the choice of residence depends on individual preferences.

Living on a farm has been described by many people as the best experience one may have. Some say it is cheap and healthy, while others claim that people brought up on farms have good family values. On the contrary, there are people who believe that living in the city is much better due to the particular life style.

Their claims are based on the numerous opportunities people have in the city compared to those who live on the farms. The main purpose of this paper is to check the differences and the similarities of two considered places and the effect those places have on society.

The similarities between living in the city and living on a farm have been increasing over the years. Such amenities as gas and piped water are usually absent on farms. Moreover, such basic services as top quality healthcare and education with the use of innovative technologies may be absent as well. However, the government has been very instrumental in raising the standards of living in the countryside and presently you will find that just like in the city there is good road infrastructure, health care facilities, and education centers.

Another similarity between life on a farm and life in the city is the economic situation in both places is affected equally. The price of essential commodities, such as gasoline does not differ greatly. Financial turmoil at the international level influences both a farm and a city.

There are many differences between living on a farm and in the city. It is widely known that a place one grows in has a great impact on the way a person perceives life. Behavior is affected, as well. Family is considered as the central institution for many people. The family is always near, and they are the only people one can turn to when things go wrong. A major difference is seen between family values imposed on a person growing up in the city and those applied on a person growing up on the farm.

Almost all young people on the farms live with their families, and they are actively involved in the daily running of the farm. This helps create a strong bond between the family members, which is much needed in creating a strong society. In the city, life is busy, and there is little time to spare for family activities and socialization. Most people in the city are career-oriented. They tend to put more time advancing their careers and neglecting their families.

This can be seen clearly in the way old people are treated in the city. Old members of the family are cared deeply by their families on the farms, while one can find people sending their old members of the family into special homes for the aged in the cities. Such cases are less common on the farms.

Another difference between living on a farm and in the city lies in the way people prioritize their needs and wants. Those who live on farms usually prioritize their needs to their wants. Everything is different from those who live in the cities as they can regard their needs and wants in the same way.

People living on farms have a simple lifestyle and unlike their city flamboyant lifestyle peers. This lifestyle helps people on the farms satisfy their needs. People living in the city are known for their “I need to get it” attitude which makes them indulging and buying the heavily advertised products and services.

Living on a farm can be described as a serene and healthy way of living. It is on a farm you will enjoy most of the beautiful sceneries, fresh air, animals, and fresh foods. Those who live on farms have an opportunity to enjoy eating fresh food, unlike those who prefer cities where most people live on canned food with chemicals which are harmful to human health.

The air in the farms is fresh, and there are few cases of lungs disease or breathing complications reported. In the city, the air is stale and full of smoke, dust, as well as harmful substances. In the farm, you will enjoy seeing animals in their ordinary inhabitance, unlike the city where you will only find them in zoos. The only wild animals one can probably find in the city are rodents and raccoons.

The city offers a person many opportunities that cannot be found in the farms. A person can decide to follow a more rewarding career and enjoy the fine things in life, entertain in clubs, go shopping, etc. Such things cannot be found on the farms.

Each place has its advantages and disadvantages. It is impossible to say that one place is better than another one. It is better to state that one place is more preferable for a particular person than another one. Tastes differ, and people should remember it while dwelling upon differences is living either on a farm or in a city.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Prison System — The Farm Life Inside Angola: An In-Depth Analysis

The Farm Life Inside Angola: an In-depth Analysis

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Farm life vs. City life

Compare and Contrast Essay: Farm life versus City life

This essay compares and contrasts life in the city with life on a farm. Both lifestyles have their similarities and differences that have remained more or less constant over time with minor adjustments here and there depending on the time of change. As the world has progressed through time and technology, people all over the world have experienced a general shift of the concentration of masses from the countryside on farms to the hustling and bustling environment of cities. The shift in the trend towards urban life has come hand in hand with the spread of modernisation and globalization. That said, each lifestyle comes with its won set of grievances and its own set of benefits and that none of the two can be seen in an absolutely negative or an absolutely positive light.

Living on a farm entails a life that is generally thought of as simple and trouble free. In romanticized writing, living on a farm is characterized by fresh air, green grass and sunny, happy days of trouble free life. Though these facets of farm life aren’t entirely wrong, they do not portray the complete scenario. Some of the upfront advantages include the lack of pollution. Since there is no industrial area or traffic nearby the atmosphere is free of pollutants which make the air dirty and cause acid rain. Life on a farm is also quieter and thus more peaceful; there is no traffic, no loud neighbors and no police sirens at odd hours of the night. Farm life is also considerably safer and more secure; since the area is sparsely populated there is lesser chance of being mugged outside of the house or being robbed inside of it. The rate of crimes apart from robberies and muggings is also very low. Farm life is not driven by a mad, materialistic rush and instead the lifestyle adjusts to the pace of the people who are living it.

However, life on a farm is by no means rosy. Farm animals are not easy to take care of. They have to be fed, cleaned and inspected. They also have to be cleaned up after which makes for a lot of work. Farming activities require extensive physical labor which can be very tiring and can quickly get repetitive and tedious. Moreover, if you get tired of this work there is no shifting in duties that you can be assigned. This work is self subsisting for the most part and if the people who are living on the farm refuse to do it, it becomes very difficult for the farm to function. Furthermore, farming is hugely reliant on the weather and if not allowed sufficient favorable weather conditions farming activities, mainly crops suffer a great deal and can sometimes be completely destroyed. Hence there is always risk that the farm produce may not be as expected if the weather is not favorable. Another drawback is that with the introduction of new farming technology and machinery, farm life has become highly mechanized and most human labor on farms has become redundant and finds it difficult to find on farm employment.

Urban life is very different, as opposed to farm life. But there are still some aspects in which both are similar. City life is often characterized by a hasty, materialistic life where man is slave to capitalist whims and materialistic demands. The pace of lifestyle has to be adjusted by the people to the pace of the city. Life in the city is always late to meet a deadline. Being in close proximity to traffic and industrial zones, city life has high levels of pollution from toxic gases and noise. High levels of pollution make acid rain in cities a common occurrence, along with other factors like smog. Pollution also contributes to various kinds of diseases for the people who are living in cities, like asthma, skin diseases and other respiratory diseases. City life is less safe and secure, the population density is high and there are all kinds of people in close proximity and thus the streets aren’t safe and neither are homes. Street muggings and various other kinds of robberies are high. So is the rate of other crimes like theft, murder, rape and kidnappings.

In spite of the dark side of life in the city, it is quite alluring and has for a long time attracted people towards itself. The shift in trend living in cites is not a baseless whim. Cities do indeed offer many benefits to their inhabitant’s lives. The most favorable of life in the city is the access to and variety of urban life amenities available. Furthermore, there are more places available for recreation and leisure, like restaurants, cinemas, shopping malls, spas etc. Furthermore, modern healthcare facilities are also available. City life is run by the service sector which has not yet been mechanized enough to make labor power redundant. Thus in cities there is a better chance of finding employment and better pay too. Also, employment in cities rarely depends hugely on the weather and thus changes in weather do not bring economic activities or daily life to a standing still, apart from situations of natural disaster/extreme weather.

In sum, both city life and farm life have their similarities and difference, pros and cons. But due to the availability of basic and modern, urban life amenities in cities and access to services like free health care and education along with better and more job opportunities and room for growth as an individual or as a business make city life a better alternative given a choice between city life and farm life. However on the other hand some people still do prefer living in the farm life due to the less hazardous circumstances of the life. The fact that farm life does not have hurdles and problems in comparison to city life, many people still settle down for it.

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Life On The Farm Essay Example

• Pages: 16 (4394 words)
• Published: March 31, 2019
• Type: Analysis

What if the animals ran the world? George Orwell tried to answer this question on a smaller scale in his 1945 novel, Animal Farm. Animal Farm is a satire on Stalinism and the Russian revolution. Orwell wrote this novel at a time when communism was on the rise and Joseph Stalin ruled with an iron fist. The ideas in Animal Farm parallel in many ways the communist ideology. Orwell illustrates how easily swayed the public can be, and how easily susceptible to corruption are those in power.

The story takes place on a farm somewhere in England. An all-knowing narrator in the third person tells the story. The action of this novel starts when the oldest pig on the farm, Old Major, calls all animals to a secret meeting. He tells them about his dream of a revolution against the cruel

Mr. Jones. Three days later, Major dies, but the speech gives the more intelligent animals a new outlook on life.

The pigs, which are considered the most intelligent animals, instruct the others. During the period of preparation two pigs can distinguish themselves, Napoleon and Snowball. Napoleon is big, and although he is not a good speaker, he can assert himself. Snowball is a better speaker; he has a lot of ideas and is very vivid. Together with another pig called Squealer, who is a very good speaker, they work out the theory of 'Animalism.'; The rebellion starts some months later, when Mr. Jones comes home drunken one night, and forgets to feed the animals. They break out of the barns and run to the house, where the food is stored. When Mr. Jones recognizes this he takes

out his shotgun, but it is too late for him, all the animals fall over him and drive him off the farm. The animals destroy all whips, nose rings, reins, and all other instruments that have been used to suppress them. The same day the animals celebrate their victory with an extra ration of food.

The pigs made up the seven commandments, and they wrote them above the door of the big barn. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend. No animal shall wear clothes. No animal shall sleep in a bed. No animal shall drink alcohol. No animal shall kill another animal. All animals are equal. The animals also agree that no animal shall ever enter the farmhouse, and that no animal shall have contact with humans. These commandments are summarized in the simple phrase: 'Four legs good, two legs bad.'; After some time, Jones comes back with some other men from the village to recapture the farm. The animals fight bravely, and they manage to defend the farm. Snowball and Boxer receive medals of honor for defending the farm so bravely. Also Napoleon who had not fought at all takes a medal. This is the reason why the two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, often argue.

When Snowball presents his idea to build a windmill, to produce electricity to the other animals, Napoleon calls nine strong dogs. The dogs drive Snowball from the farm, and Napoleon explains that Snowball was in fact cooperating with Mr. Jones. He also explains that Snowball in reality never had a medal of honor, that Snowball was always trying to

cover up that he was fighting at the side of Mr. Jones.

The animals then start building the windmill, and as time passes on, the working-time goes up, whereas the food ration declined. Although the 'common'; animals have not enough food, the pigs grow fatter and fatter. They tell the other animals that they need more food, for they are managing the whole farm. Some time later the pigs explain to the other animals that they have to trade with the neighbor farms. The common animals are very upset, because after the revolution, there has been a resolution that no animal shall make trade with a human. But the pigs ensured that there never has been such a resolution, and that this was an evil lie of Snowball.

Short after this decision the pigs move into the farmhouse. The other animals remember that there has been a commandment that forbids sleeping in beds, and so they go to the big barn to look at the commandments. When they arrive there they cannot believe their eyes; the fourth commandment has been changed to: 'No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.'; The other commandments were also changed: 'No animal shall kill another animal without cause,'; or 'No animal shall drink alcohol to excess'; (Orwell 61, 80, 96).

Some months later there is a heavy storm, which destroys the windmill that is nearly finished. Napoleon accuses Snowball of destroying the mill, and he promises a reward to the animal that gets Snowball. The rebuilding of the mill takes two years. Again, Jones attacks the farm, and although the animals defend it, the windmill is once again destroyed. Boxer, the

strong horse, breaks down with a collapsed lung after working so hard on the windmill. He is sold to a butcher, whereas Napoleon tells the pigs that Boxer has been brought to a hospital where he has died. Three years later the mill was finally completed.

During this time Napoleon deepens the relations with the neighbor farm, and one-day Napoleon even invites the owners of this farm for an inspection. They sit inside the farmhouse and celebrate the efficiency of his farm, where the animals work very hard with the minimum of food. During this celebration all the other animals meet at the window of the farm, and when they look inside they cannot distinguish between man and animal.

Since Animal Farm is a satire on the Russian revolution it is therefore full of symbolism. George Orwell associates certain real characters with the characters of the book. Each character has a different and specific meaning. The characters can represent villains or heroes and even the situations can represent real-life events.

Mr. Jones, the farmer of Manor Farm, is Orwell's chief villain in Animal Farm. Of course Napoleon is also a major villain, however much more indirectly. Orwell says that at one time Jones was actually a decent master to his animals. At this time the farm was thriving. But in recent years the farm had fallen on harder times and the opportunity was seen to revolt. The worldwide depression began in the United States when the stock market crashed in October of 1929. The depression spread throughout the world because American exports were so dependent on Europe. The United States was also a major contributor to the world

market economy. Germany along with the rest of Europe was especially hit hard. The parallels between crop failure of the farm and the depression in the 1930s are clear. Only the leaders and the die-hard followers ate their fill during this time period. Mr. Jones symbolizes (in addition to the evils of capitalism) Czar Nicholas II, the leader before Stalin (Napoleon). Jones represents the old government, the last of the Czars. Orwell suggests that Jones was losing his 'edge.'; In fact, he and his men had taken up the habit of drinking. Old Major reveals his feelings about Jones and his administration when he says, 'Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, and he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving and the rest he keeps for himself'; (Orwell 6). So the animals successfully uproot Jones and the old government. Little do they know, history will repeat itself with Napoleon and the pigs.

Old Major is the first major character described by Orwell in Animal Farm. This 'pure-bred'; of pigs is the kind, grandfatherly philosopher of change, and an obvious metaphor for Karl Marx. Old Major proposes a solution to the animals' desperate plight under the Jones 'administration'; when he inspires a rebellion of sorts among the animals. Of course the actual time of revolt is unsaid. It could be the next day or several generations down the road.

But Old Major's philosophy is only an ideal. After his death, three days after the barnyard speech, the socialism he professes is drastically altered when Napoleon and the other pigs begin to dominate. It's interesting that Orwell does not mention Napoleon or Snowball any time during the great speech of Old Major. This shows how distant and out-of-touch they really were. The ideals Old Major proclaimed seemed to not even have been considered when they were establishing their new government after the successful revolt. It almost seems as though the pigs fed off Old Major's inspiration and then used it to benefit themselves (an interesting twist of capitalism) instead of following through on the Old Major's honest proposal. This could be Orwell's attempt to dig Stalin, who many consider to be someone who totally ignored Marx's political and social theory. Using Old Major's seeming naivete, Orwell concludes that no society is perfect, no pure socialist civilization can exist, and there is no way to escape the evil grasp of capitalism. Unfortunately when Napoleon and Squealer take over, Old Major becomes more and more a distant fragment of the past in the minds of the farm animals.

Napoleon is Orwell's chief villain in Animal Farm. The name Napoleon is very coincidental since Napoleon, the dictator of France, was thought by many to be the Antichrist. Napoleon, the pig, is really the central character on the farm. Obviously a metaphor for Stalin, Comrade Napoleon represents the human frailties of any revolution. Orwell believed that although socialism is good as an ideal, it could never be successfully adopted due to uncontrollable sins of human nature. For example, although Napoleon

seems at first to be a good leader, he is eventually overcome by greed and soon becomes power-hungry. Of course Stalin did too in Russia, leaving the original equality of socialism behind, giving him all the power and living in luxury while the common peasant suffered. Thus, while his national and international status blossomed, the welfare of Russia remained unchanged. Orwell explains, 'Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer;#8212;except, of course for the pigs and the dogs'; (Orwell, 57). The true side of Napoleon becomes evident after he slaughters so many animals for plotting against him. He even hires a pig to sample his food for him to make certain that no one is trying to poison him. Stalin, too, was a cruel dictator in Russia (Byrne 14). After suspecting many people in his empire to be supporters of Trotsky (Orwell's Snowball), Stalin systematically murders many. At the end of the book, Napoleon doesn't even pretend to lead a socialist state. After renaming it a Republic and instituting his own version of the commandments and the Beasts of England, Comrade Napoleon quickly becomes more or less a dictator who of course has never even been elected by the animals.

Squealer is an intriguing character in Orwell's Animal Farm. He's first described as a manipulator and persuader. Orwell narrates, 'He could turn black into white'; (Orwell 13). Many critics correlate Squealer with the Pravda, the Russian newspaper of the 1930s. Propaganda was a key to many publications, and since there was no television or radio, the newspaper was the primary source of media information. So Stalin and

his new Bolshevik regime seized the monopoly of the Pravda. In Animal Farm, Squealer, like the newspaper, is the link between Napoleon and other animals. When Squealer masks an evil intention of the pigs, the intentions of the communists can be carried out with little resistance and without political disarray. Squealer is also thought by some to represent Goebbels, who was the minister of propaganda for Germany. This would seem inconsistent with Orwell's satire, however, which was supposed to metaphor characters in Russia.

Orwell describes Snowball as a pig very similar to Napoleon at least in the early stages. Both pigs wanted a leadership position in the 'new'; economic and political system (which is actually contradictory to the whole system of equality). But as time goes on, both eventually realize that one of them will have to step down. Orwell says that the two were always arguing. 'Snowball and Napoleon were by far the most active in the debates. But it was noticed that these two were never in agreement: whatever suggestion either of them made, the other could be counted to oppose it.'; Later, Orwell makes the case stronger. 'These two disagreed at every point disagreement was possible'; (Orwell 43). Soon the differences like whether or not to build a windmill, become too great to deal with, so Napoleon decides that Snowball must be eliminated. It might seem that this was a spontaneous reaction, but a careful look tells otherwise. Napoleon was setting the stage for his own domination long before he really began 'dishing it out'; to Snowball. For example, he took the puppies away from their mother in efforts to establish a private

police force. These dogs would later be used to eliminate Snowball, his archrival. Snowball represents Leo Dawidowitsch Trotsky, the archrival of Joseph Stalin in Russia. The parallels between Trotsky and Snowball are uncanny. Trotsky too, was exiled, not from the farm, but to Mexico, where he spoke out against Stalin. Stalin was very weary of Trotsky, and feared that Trotsky supporters might try to assassinate him. The dictator of Russia tried hard to kill Trotsky, for the fear of losing leadership was very great in the crazy man's mind. Trotsky also believed in Communism, but he thought he could run Russia better than Stalin. The Russian internal police murdered Trotsky in Mexico. Trotsky was found with a pickaxe in his head at his villa in Mexico.

Orwell cleverly uses the name for the workhorse, Boxer, as a metaphor for the Boxer Rebellion in China in the early twentieth century. It was this rebellion which signaled the beginning of communism in red China. This communism, much like the distorted Stalin view of socialism, is still present today in the oppressive social government in China. Boxer and Clover are used by Orwell to represent the proletariat, or the unskilled labor class in Russian society. This lower class is naturally drawn to Stalin (Napoleon) because it seems as though they will benefit most from his new system. Since Boxer and the other low animals are not accustomed to the 'good life,'; they cannot really compare Napoleon's government to the life they had before under Jones. Also, since usually the lowest class has the lowest intelligence, it is not difficult to persuade them into thinking they are getting a good

deal. The proletariat is also quite good at convincing each other that communism is a good idea. Orwell supports this contention when he narrates, 'Their most faithful disciples were the two carthorses, Boxer and Clover. Those two had great difficulty in thinking anything out for themselves, but having once accepted the pigs as their teachers, they absorbed everything that they were told, and passed it on to the other animals by simple arguments.'; Later, the importance of the proletariat is shown when Boxer suddenly has a drastic decrease in work productivity. But still he is taken for granted by the pigs, who send him away in a glue truck. Truly Boxer is the biggest poster-child for gullibility.

Orwell uses the pigs to surround and support Napoleon. They symbolize the communist party loyalists and the friends of Stalin, as well as perhaps the Duma, or Russian parliament. The pigs, unlike other animals, live in luxury and enjoy the benefits of the society they help to control. Orwell, who criticized Marx's oversimplified view of a socialist, 'utopian'; society, expresses the inequality and true hypocrisy of communism here. Obviously George Orwell does not believe such a society can exist. Toward the end of the book, Orwell emphasizes, 'Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer except, of course, the pigs and the dogs'; (Orwell 57).

Orwell uses the dogs in his book, Animal Farm, to represent the KGB or perhaps more accurately, the bodyguards of Stalin. The dogs are the arch-defenders of Napoleon and the pigs, and although they do not speak, are definitely forces the other animals have to contend

with. Orwell almost speaks of the dogs as mindless robots, so dedicated to napoleon that they cannot really speak for themselves. This contention is supported as Orwell describes Napoleon's early and suspicious removal of six puppies from their mother. The reader is left in the dark for a while, but later is enlightened when Orwell describes the chase of Snowball. Napoleon uses his 'secret dogs'; for the first time here; before Snowball has a chance to stand up and give a counter-argument to Napoleon's disapproval of the windmill, the dogs viciously attack the pig, forcing him to flee, never to return again. Orwell narrates, 'Silent and terrified, the animals crept back into the barn. In a moment the dogs came bounding back. At first no one had been able to imagine where these creatures came from, but the problem was soon solved: they were the puppies whom napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately. Though not yet full-grown, they were to huge dogs, and as fierce-looking as wolves. They kept close to Napoleon. It was noticed that they wagged their tails to him in the same way as the other dogs had been used to do to Mr. Jones'; (Orwell 48). The use of the dogs begins the evil use of force, which helps Napoleon maintain power. Later, the dogs do even more dastardly things when they are instructed to kill the animals labeled 'disloyal.'; Stalin, too, had his own special force of 'helpers.'; Really there are followers loyal to any politician or government leader, but Stalin in particular needed a special police force to eliminate his opponents. This is how Trotsky

was killed.

Mollie is one of Orwell's minor characters, but she represents something very important. Mollie is one of the animals who is most opposed to the new government under Napoleon. She doesn't care much about the politics of the whole situation; she just wants to tie her hair with ribbons and eat sugar, things her social status will not allow. Many animals consider her a traitor when she is seen being petted by a human from a neighboring farm. Soon the 'dedicated'; animals confront Mollie, and she quietly leaves the farm. Mollie characterizes the typical middle-class skilled worker who suffers from this new communism concept. No longer will she get her sugar (nice salary) because she is now just as low as the other animals, like Boxer and Clover. Orwell uses Mollie to characterize the people after any rebellion that are not too receptive to new leaders and new economics. There are always those resistant to change. This continues to dispel the belief Orwell hated that basically all animals act the same. The naivete of Marxism is criticized socialism is not perfect and it does not work for everyone.

Moses is perhaps Orwell's most intriguing character in Animal Farm. This raven, first described as the 'especial pet'; of Mr. Jones, is the only animal that does not work. He is also the only character who does not listen to Old Major's speech of rebellion. Orwell narrates, 'The pigs had an even harder struggle to counteract the lies put about by Moses, the tame raven. Moses, who was Mr. Jones' especial pet, was a spy and a talebearer, but he was also a clever talker. He claimed

to know of the existence of a mysterious country called Sugarcandy Mountain, to which all animals went when they died. It was situated somewhere up in the sky, a little distance beyond the clouds, Moses said. In Sugarcandy Mountain it was Sunday seven days a week, clover was in season all the year round, and lump sugar and linseed cake grew on the hedges. The animals hated Moses because he told tales and did no work but some of them believed in Sugarcandy Mountain, and the pigs had to argue very hard to persuade them that there was no such place.'; Moses represents Orwell's view of the Church. To Orwell, the Church is just used as a tool by dictatorships to keep the working class of people hopeful and productive. Orwell uses Moses to criticize Marx's belief that the Church will just go away after the rebellion. Jones first used Moses to keep the animals working, and he was successful in many ways before the rebellion. The pigs had a difficult time getting rid of Moses, since they thought that the lies about Heaven would only lead the animals away from the equality of socialism. But as the pigs led by Napoleon become more and more like Mr. Jones, Moses finds his place again. After being away for several years, he suddenly returns and picks up right where he left off. The pigs do not mind this time because the animals have already realized that the 'equality'; of the revolt is a farce. So Napoleon feeds Moses with beer, and the full-circle is complete. Orwell seems to offer a very cynical and harsh view of

the church. This proves that Animal Farm is not simply an anti-Communist work meant to lead people into capitalism and Christianity. Really, Orwell found loopholes and much hypocrisy in both systems. It is interesting that in Russia, the government has allowed and supported religion again. It almost seems that like the pigs, the Kremlin officials try to keep their people motivated, not in the ideology of communism, but in the 'old-fashioned'; hope of an afterlife.

Muriel is a knowledgeable goat who reads the commandments for Clover. Muriel represents the minority of working class peoples who are educated enough to decide things for themselves and find critical and hypocritical problems with their leaders. Unfortunately for the other animals, Muriel is not charismatic or inspired enough to take action and oppose Napoleon and his pigs.

Old Benjamin, an elderly donkey, is one of Orwell's most elusive and intriguing characters. He is described as rather unchanged since the rebellion. He still does his work the same way, never becoming too exited or too disappointed about anything that has passed. Benjamin explains, 'Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey'; (Orwell 26). Although there is no clear metaphoric relationship between Benjamin and Orwell's critique of communism, it makes sense that during any rebellion there are those who never totally embrace the revolution; those so cynical they no longer look to their leaders for help. Benjamin symbolizes the older generation, the critics of any new rebellion. Really this old donkey is the only animal that seems as though he could not care less about Napoleon and Animal Farm. It is almost as if he can see

into the future, knowing that the revolt is only a temporary change, and will flop in the end. Benjamin is the only animal who does not seem to have expected anything positive from the revolution. He almost seems on a whole different maturity level compared to the other animals. He is not sucked in by Napoleon's propaganda like the others. The only time he seems to care about the others at all is when Boxer is carried off in the glue truck. It is almost as if the old donkey finally comes out of his shell, his perfectly fitted demeanor, when he tries to warn the others of Boxer's fate. And the animals do try to rescue Boxer, but it is too late. Benjamin seems to be finally confronting Napoleon and revealing his knowledge of the pigs' hypocrisy, although before he had been completely independent. After the animals have forgotten Jones and their past lives, Benjamin still remembers everything. Orwell states, 'Only old Benjamin professed to remember every detail of his long life and to know that things never had been, nor ever could be much better or much worse hunger, hardship, and disappointment being, so he said, the unalterable law of life.'; The pigeons symbolize Soviet propaganda, not to Russia, but to other countries, like Germany, England, France, and even the United States. Russia had created an iron curtain even before WWII. The communist government raved about its achievements and its advanced technology, but it never allowed experts or scientists from outside the country to check on its validity. Orwell mentions the fact that the other farmers became suspicious and worried when their animals began

to sing Beasts of England. Many western governments have gone through a similar problem with their people in this century. There was a huge 'Red Scare'; in the United States in the 20s. In the 1950s in the United States, Joseph McCarthy was a legislative member of the government from Wisconsin. He accused hundreds of people of supporting the communist regime, from famous actors in Hollywood to middle-class common people. The fear of communism became a phobia in America and anyone speaking out against the government was suspect.

The farm building stands for the Kremlin. In the early days of the USSR there were sightseeing tours through the Kremlin. Later it became the residence of Stalin. The windmill for example stands for the Russian industry that has been built up by the working class. The destruction of the windmill is a symbol for the failure of the five-year plan. Mr. Fredricks of Pinchfield farm represents Hitler, and his farm, Germany. Foxwood farm stands for England.

Orwell's message in Animal Farm was one pointing out the hypocrisy in communism. He illustrates how easily an ideology can be corrupted when the 'human'; factor is thrown into the works. Many things seem like a good idea in theory, however in practice, things fall apart. Kingdoms rise and crumble to the ground, that is the point that Orwell tries to illustrate.

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MOSCOW WIDENS NEW POLICY LINE; Essay, Scored During Rule of Khrushchev, Praised for View of Hard Rural Life

MOSCOW, Dec. 26—A growing reversal of the policies of former Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev, especially in agriculture, was‐extended today to the field of literary criticism.

The literary‐union newspaper Literaturnaya Gazeta published a laudatory review of Yefim Dorosh's essay “Half Rain, Half Sunshine,” which gives what is widely regarded as a realistic depiction of the countryside of central European Russia.

The essay, published last summer in the liberal literary monthly Novy Mir, was violently attacked in the Soviet press just before Mr. Khrushchev's overthrow in October as misrepresenting life in rural areas.

One critique, by L. Lebedev, a collective farm chairman from the Galich area northeast of Moscow, appeared in Selskaya Zhizn (Rural Life), the farm newspaper of the Communist party's Central Committee over whose content Mr. Khrushchev had direct control.

Mr. Lebedev charged Mr. Dorosh with conveying a picture of “prerevolutionary dreariness, despondency, stagnation, and complete hopelessness drifting from every page.”

The farm chairman accused the author of concentrating attention “on an old monastery, an ancient lake, an abandoned grave of some count instead of writing, say, about the new widescreen moviehouse.”

Mr. Lebedev said Mr. Dorosh had misrepresented the cultural level of farm youth and the rural intelligentsia by depicting them as “primitive, uneducated people without interest in literature or the arts.”

Mr. Dorosh had written that the residents of his fictitious country town of Raigorod “read little, went, to be sure, to the movies, but had not been in the regional museum, in the picture gallery, in the theater or at the philharmonic concert.”

Today's review in Literaturnaya Gazeta by Vladimir Voronov, a critic, contended that Mr. Dorosh had performed a useful service by drawing attention to problems that continued to bedevil Soviet agriculture and life in the countryside.

The essay, published while Mr. Khrushchev was still in power, questioned the effectiveness of some reforms inspired by the former Premier and criticized the continuing close supervision of farm production and the imposition of output plans from above.

In an evident allusion to Mr. Khrushchev's style of running Soviet agriculture, Mr. Voronov wrote:

“Dorosh regards the struggle for a growth of the rural economy not as a short‐lived, noisy campaign but as a long, complicated haul.”

Mr. Voronov assailed the farm chairman for having judged the essay simply on the basis that his own area was more prosperous than the one pictured in “Half Rain, Half Sunshine.”

The reviewer said it was not literary criticism to say:

“We live better” and to tell “about a milkmaid who had obtained 800 quarts of milk more from a cow than in the previous year.”

The controversial essay is part of a series of “rural diaries” that Mr. Dorosh, a resident of Moscow, has been writing since 1956 on the basis of periodic visits to an unidentified small town and the surrounding countryside in central Russia.