Farmland Documentary

1. Picture in your head a typical farmer. What do you see? Compare and contrast this picture with that of the six farmers in the movie. What are some similarities and differences?

The farmers in this movie are very different from one another. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?

The farmers in the movie discuss the image of the farmer, and how it can range from a romanticized American Gothic type image to that of a corporate CEO. Based on what you’ve heard in the movie, where do you think the average farmer lies on this spectrum, and what do you think the cause of this disparity is?

From factors out of the farmers control to the capital required to farm, farmers have to manage risk successfully to be a lucrative business. How can farmers manage this risk?

. Several of the farmers talk about their farms as businesses from where their living is derived despite them still being family farms. Describe some of the struggles of farming as a business. Do you see differences between farm businesses and other business you have come in contact with?

Compare and contrast organic production, natural production, and conventional production.

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are a seed technology that many farmers choose to use. Based on the thoughts of the farmers and any background knowledge you have, compare and contrast possible advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering.

Leighton talks about marketing a hormone-free chicken. Is it fair to market food based on consumers’ lack of knowledge? Are there other examples of similar marketing tactics?

The farmers all talk about the importance of water in their farming operations and a fear of running out of water. How is water used in agriculture?

Community Supported Agriculture is a program that allows people to sign up for a season’s worth of locally grown produce and pick it up from a farm. Margaret participates in this program. How can this benefit both the producer and consumer? How does this compare to traditional marketing of commodities?