The History of Recent Farm Legislation: Implications for Farm Families

In order to understand what is happening to contemporary farm families, one must examine the changing structure of agriculture (Haney, 1982). The current economic crisis of many farmers1 is hardly the first time major financial difficulties have been faced by this segment of American society. In fact, United States agricultural policy stems from the very creation of our country when colonials revolted against England's excessive taxation and control of agricultural exports (Rasmussen, 1985). This article reviews from a historical perspective current major agricultural and financial legislation affecting today's farmer. First, it demonstrates that legislation was created in response to domestic social and economic conditions of the United States. Secondly, it illuminates the impact of world economic conditions in recent years. The irrevocable inclusion of the American farm economy into the global macroeconomy in the 1970s will illustrate the complexity of the farm issue. Farm legislation in isolation cannot provide all the support necessary to improve the farmer's economic condition. Thirdly, the philosophical shift in emphasis of farm legislation from welfare of the farm family in the 1930s, to the commercialization of the farm in the 1970s, and to today's market orientation will be explored. Finally, it is argued that if family scientists are to understand what is happening to farm families today, the implications of the historical economic context within which these families are living must be examined. Major legislation in the early 1900s began with the Country Life Commission appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. As a result, over the next 10 years laws were passed that created better conditions for rural America. In 1914 the Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service, and in 1916 the Federal Farm Loan Act set up the structure for the Farm Credit System. However, it was not until the 1930s that the Federal Government instituted major farm programs which are the forerunners of those that exist today.