Farm: A Year in the Life of an American Farmer

Farm follows a year in the life of Tom and Sally Bauer, Missouri farmers who work their 425-acre property through the seasons. Rhodes spent extensive time with the family during 1989, documenting their daily routines, challenges, and decisions as they managed crops and livestock. The narrative tracks the full agricultural cycle from spring planting through fall harvest, capturing the realities of modern farming operations. Readers witness the impact of weather, market prices, equipment maintenance, and countless other variables that shape a farm's success or failure. The book presents both practical farming methods and personal stories of the Bauers' experiences working their land. Technical details about machinery, soil management, and animal husbandry are balanced with moments from the family's daily life. Through this intimate portrait of one farming family, Rhodes explores broader themes about the evolution of American agriculture, the pressures facing small family farms, and humanity's fundamental connection to the land.

Readers appreciate Rhodes' detailed chronicle of Missouri farmer Tom Larson's daily routines, challenges, and decisions throughout 1988. They note his thorough research and ability to explain complex farming operations in clear terms. Several reviewers highlight how the book reveals the business and scientific aspects of modern farming that many Americans don't see. Common criticisms include the slow pacing and excessive detail about machinery and financial calculations. Some readers found the writing dry and technical at times. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of farming practices - Honest portrayal of financial pressures - Integration of historical context What readers disliked: - Too much technical detail - Slow sections - Limited scope (focuses on one farm/year) Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) "Shows farming as it really is - a complex business requiring constant learning and adaptation," notes one Amazon reviewer. "Sometimes gets lost in the minutiae," writes another on Goodreads.

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🌾 Richard Rhodes followed Missouri farmer Tom Bauer and his family for an entire year (1989) to create this intimate portrayal of modern American farming life. 🚜 The author is better known for winning the Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Making of the Atomic Bomb," making this agricultural narrative a significant departure from his usual subject matter. 🌱 The book chronicles the devastating impact of the 1988-89 drought, which caused an estimated $60 billion in agricultural losses across the United States. 🏡 Tom Bauer, the featured farmer, operated a 1,000-acre family farm growing primarily corn and soybeans, while also raising cattle - representing the backbone of Midwestern agriculture. 📖 Rhodes wrote much of the book while physically present on the farm, often riding alongside Bauer in his tractor or helping with daily chores to gain authentic firsthand experience.