Down on the Farm

I miss the farms that once graced the landscape of Bryan County.

I miss the view of long straight rows stretched out across the land, freshly plowed and waiting for seeds.

I miss the sight of flourishing stalks of corn waving in the breeze.

I miss the vision of abundant fields of peanuts, cotton, and vegetables that were once a part of every trip to town.

I thought about the farms this morning as I posted an item about the Corn Carnival to my Caddo blog. The corn carnival was a celebration of harvest and an opportunity for the farmers of the area to boast of their crops and display their success to the world. There were always items in the old papers about the corn crop or the cotton harvest or the weather affecting either. There were several gins in the area and I have old photos of the tremendous numbers of bales produced here.

During my childhood and even into young adulthood there were still farms in the area that produced cotton and peanuts and vegetables. I remember watching my cousin chop cotton just across the road from here. My grandfather grew tomatoes and watermelons and potatoes and peas near Caney. Just south of Caddo was a “peanut patch” that I loved to watch because it attracted so many birds after the harvest was completed. All gone.

I don’t know all of the reasons why our area slowly changed and became cattle country. I suppose there are many economic and political reasons. I suppose there isn’t any way to compete with the corn and cotton producers in other areas. I suppose some of the reasons involve prices and subsidies and such. I suppose our crazy weather and increasing years of droughts are major factors. I’m a country woman, but not a farmer’s wife, nor am I involved enough to know the inside scoop. Cows are not bad. But I still miss the farms. 

Comments

[Megan]

I drive through fields every time I leave my house. It's the number one reason why I live where I do. It helps me unwind and just breathe easier.