| The objective of this work of creative non-fiction was to present a picture of family farming in upstate New York. Family farming, a lifestyle that blends business with daily home life, is currently experienced by fewer than two percent of Americans. The Relihan farm story provides context as a history of family farming during the first half of the twentieth century. Oral history collection methods were engaged to document the story of this retired farm and its aging mistress. The Ziehm farm represents progressive farming managed by three Cornell graduates who implement modern agricultural methods and business models to grow the family farm their grandfather purchased. A third farming family, the Andrews, adheres to traditional methods, relying on making due with older equipment and family labor. The stories were gleaned by immersion journalism and personal interview, and were told through narrative interspersed with the author's personal insight and researched information. |
