FARMS FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW: The Wonders of Food Production

by Dorothy E. & Gregory J. Shuttlesworth Shuttlesworth ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 14, 1979

A textbookish summary of early agriculture and modern American practice, the more textbookish for its mushy generalizations, bland establishment orientation, and narrow focus on mechanical advances. ""Today's farms utilize a vast array of machinery,"" proclaim the Shuttlesworths, who mention harvesters, balers, and other power tools as well as modern methods of irrigation and the ""challenge""--to be worked out by ""the kind of teams that have already produced great achievements""--of changing plants to suit the mechanical pickers. Among the authors' brochure-level messages are the following: Cattle raising today involves ""great expenses""; modern chicken factories bring us daily treats; the energy crisis might mother a new revolution in agriculture (as previewed in the Kaplan Industries' showcase ""closed ecology system"" of cattle farming); and though pests and pesticides are problems, if others cooperate with Department of Agriculture policies ""the insect challenge should be met with ever-increasing success."" The Shuttlesworths end on the upbeat with a cursory review of ""farm varieties"" (hydroponics, fish farming, use of seaweed) and a listing of agriculture careers, concluding that though unskilled jobs are steadily decreasing, ""many opportunities lie ahead."" A superficial, dull gloss.

Pub Date: Sept. 14, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION