THE PROBLEMS OF PROGRESS 13 



the non-urban population increased 250 per 

 cent. Agriculture has been one of the chief 

 elements of America's industrial greatness, it is 

 still our dominant economic interest, and it will 

 long remain at least a leading industry. The 

 people of the farm have furnished a sturdy 

 citizenship and have been the primary source of 

 much of our best leadership in political, business, 

 and professional life. For an indefinite future, 

 a large proportion of the American people will 

 continue to live in a rural environment. 



WHAT IS THE FARM PROBLEM ? 



Current agricultural discussion would lead us 

 to think that the farm problem is largely one of 

 technique. The possibilities of the agricultural 

 industry, in the light of applied science, empha- 

 size the need of the farmer for more complete 

 knowledge of soil and plant, and animal, and 

 for increased proficiency in utilizing this knowl- 

 edge to secure greater production at less cost. 

 This is a fundamental need. It lies at the basis 

 of success in farming. But it is not the farm 

 problem. 



Business skill must be added, business 

 methods enforced. The farmer must be not only 

 a more skilful produce-grower, but also a keener 



