Plow to Plow-WOW!

Agriculture & Farming

By: Paul Wilson, Farming Expert

Paul and Deb Wilson have been our neighbors here in the PebbleCreek for several years and until this year we haven’t met.  Thankfully, our mutual friends Linda and Jim Vigars had all of us to dinner one evening, when we shared our life's journeys sparked the beginning of a wonderful friendship. I shared my writing of this “book” and asked Paul if he would be interested in sharing his family story.  He agreed and he will continue to write until he or his family and friends decide not to.  Thanks for sharing!  Sandy

DRAFT MODE

Story line:

History from when your ancestors migrated to America.

●     Names would help to personalize this story.

○     Gullick Wilson (my great, great grandfather) was the first person to own the 80 acres where our farmstead is located

●     Were they farmers? yes

●     What type of produce/animals did they grow/raise? Draft horses, Milk cows , hogs, chickens

●     Where was the farm? Clarkfield, MN  (SW Minnesota)

●     Why did they come to America? Opportunity to own farmland and Religious freedom

●     What did they do when they arrived before they bought a farm? They worked on a farm in Wisconsin for a few years to save enough money to buy a farm.

●     Who did you say signed the property title/deed and when? Ulysses S Grant in 1876

●     What did they farm at first? Not sure. Probably corn and oats and wheat

●     How many children did they have? Gullick had 4 children… ?

●     Who were the relatives before you? Gullick and Hans /Este Wilson and Alden/Alice Wilson and Woodrow/Betty Wilson

●     What did any of them do related to farming? Hans helped establish and build Bergen Lutheran Church in his farming community.

When electricity became available, in about 1935, there was a huge demand for electricians. Alden took classes and became a master electrician who installed electricity in hundreds of farm homes and barns.

How did this statement fit into their lives at that time?”

So, how do these answers line up with your family’s journey from the first farming experiences, as best you can tell.

In 1930, 1 farmer produced enough food to feed 4 people. In 2020, 1 farmer produces enough food to feed 140 people

Imagining the answers will work just fine, until your memory of actual events kicks in for you. I go through my photos to both kick in memories and use in the book for readers to see what or who is being written about.  I can add video and audio clip links as well.  Since this is an RAV book (Read, Audi, Video) and will be readable on any device via a PDF or web link.  Thanks to Google Docs. Yahoo!

1. Mechanization: The invention of the plow, the tractor, and other machines has greatly improved farming efficiency. With mechanization, farmers can cover more ground in less time and reduce the physical labor required to farm.

2.    Irrigation: The development of irrigation systems has made it possible to grow crops in areas where water is scarce. Modern irrigation systems are efficient, allowing farmers to conserve water while still providing crops with the necessary moisture.

3. Fertilizers: The use of fertilizers has dramatically increased crop yields. Modern fertilizers are carefully formulated to provide plants with the nutrients they need to thrive, leading to more abundant and healthier crops. Soil testing

4.    Pesticides: Pesticides have helped farmers control pests and diseases that can damage crops. Modern pesticides are less harmful to the environment and more effective than those used in the past.

5.    Biotechnology: Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, have higher yields, and are more resilient to environmental stresses.

6. Data and analytics: Farmers now have access to a wealth of data and analytics that allow them to optimize their farming practices. For example, precision agriculture uses sensors, drones, and other technologies to gather data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant growth, which can be used to tailor farming practices to specific conditions.

Overall, technology has revolutionized farming, making it more efficient, productive, and sustainable than ever before.

Computer – calculate cash flow and cost of production and the grain price needed to break even and analyze yield data

Yield monitor – in combine

Moisture monitor - in combine

Sprayer monitor – adjust amount of spray as sprayer changes speed. Also   turn sprayer on and off

Autosteer – steer tractor or combine or sprayer

Stored grain monitors and moisture control

Planter – Monitor auto (single row) shut off and depth control and seed spacing

Pictures of farm buildings. In 1979 there were 4 generations living on the home farm place