LIVING ON A FARM

Nowadays there are less and less people working on farms. Decades  ago most farms were much smaller, and most farming was done with simple machines and horses.

In the early 20th century farms were more  diverse  than today. Most farmers  raised lots of different  crops  and  cared for  many varied animals. Farmers  planted  corn, oats, wheat and barley, and raised  cattle  and  hogs. Women planted large gardens of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, beans and  radishes. They also cared for chickens and sold eggs.  Throughout  the 20th century, as  machinery developed, farms began  to grow bigger. As they got bigger, they also  tended to  become less diverse. Many farmers raised just corn and wheat. Others raised hogs or cattle with some field crops.

As farms grew larger, many farmers  moved off  the farms their grandparents once occupied. More and more farm families are  selling out to  the large corporate farmers and are moving to town.

Being a successful farmer today  requires knowledge  of  advanced technology, educational preparation and business skills. Many farmers learn about the business and practice of agriculture through a training program at a college or university.

There’s nothing prettier than a couple of chickens standing on the  lawn  in front of a farm house. But they are  beneficial  too as they eat all kinds of  nasty insects  and keep things  neat  and  trim around the buildings and under trees.  Plus, they  provideyou with eggs! 

On a farm, you have to get used to  dust  from the dirt roads,  gravel roads, fields oranimal lots. When it rains, the dust turns to  mud, and it  gets  tracked into  the house from boots and shoes.

If you are  fortunate  enough to buy a farm with fruit trees already planted on it, you are in luck.  Fruit trees take several years after planting before they begin to produce fruit. Fruit trees require a lot of  maintenance  too.  They have  to be pruned  and sprayed regularly. They are, however, a good  investment,  especially  if you plan on freezing or canning the fruit.

Most farms are several kilometres from town and it wouldn’t be  economical  to drive to town daily. When grocery shopping, or shopping from other  supplies, farmer have  to plan ahead  and buy for a week or two worth of supplies.   In the long run  it is a surprisingly  good way  to  save money as a lot of  spontaneous  buying  is eliminated  this way. 

WHAT FARMERS DO ON A FARM

Farmer’s job is very complicated as they not only plough and sow, but they usually have to manage their whole farm, and make important decisions. Let’s see what farmers really do!

They are business managers, salespersons and supervisors.  To make a living, a farmer must decide what and where to raise or plant crops and livestock. Farmers must be aware of trends in foods and other agricultural products, to sell the harvest at its highest price or provide sufficient calories, vitamins and minerals to keep the family and any livestock healthy. Farmers must follow theups and downs of the commodities market, storing their harvest if they are able, selling their crop only when they think they can receive the maximum possible benefit.  Everyone in the family must pull together to take care of the crops and the animals. Farmers supervise family members and seasonal agricultural workers. They hire outside help only when absolutely necessary and only hire those workers who will give a full day's work for a full day's pay.

They are veterinarians, too

Veterinary care is expensive. Most farmers take care of all but the most complicated problems themselves, including such things as assisting in calving and lambing, treating minor to moderate cuts and abrasions, performing castrations, treating most illnesses and tending to overall general health and wellness. Most farmers administer inoculations themselves.

They are carpenters and construction workers as well.

Farmers build and repair fences, barns and outbuildings and maintain coops and pens. They dig post holes, repair roofs, dig trenches and build feeders, nesting boxes and shade structures. Farmers must know how to correctly and safely use hand and power tools as well as how to safely operate heavy equipment.

FARMING IN HUNGARY

The major part of Hungary’s land is arable as the climate is suitable for  agriculture; approximately one-tenth of the country’s land is under permanent cultivation. Nowadays, privately owned farms produce much of the country’s fruit and vegetables. Livestock in Hungary mainly includes chickens, pigs, cattle, geese and sheep. As far as the crops are concerned, the most important are cereal grains, like wheat, corn and rye, but the country also produces potatoes, sunflower seed and sugar beet.  The Hungarian breeds of domestic animals are often seen as national symbols in Hungary. Local national parks serve as "genebanks" to  ensure  their survival. The most important Hungarian breeds of domestic animals are:

- Long-horn Hungarian Grey Cattle - Hungarian breed, traditionally kept in the open full year.

- Hungarian thoroughbred horses - a mid-19th century mixture of the best Arab and English race horse characteristics.

- Lipizzan - the mostly white breed of heavy cavalry horses, originated from Slovenia and successfully bred in Hungary.

- Mangalitsa - a breed of pigs, characterised by their long curly hair and relatively fatty meat which makes them ideal for making sausages and salami.

- Racka - a breed of sheep with distinctive horns.