Ozarks Voices: George Crighton, February 4, 2020

Описание: Interview with retired farmer George Crighton by Craig Amason of Missouri State University Libraries. Mr. Crighton owned and operated a Century Farm in Springfield, Missouri. Interview took place at Mr. Crighton’s home in Springfield on February 4, 2020.

Topics discussed include origin of the Crighton farm; dairy operation in the 1940s and ‘50s; settlement of ancestors in the Ozarks, migrating from Scotland and England; education; growing up on the farm; early horse-powered operations; impact of mechanization; Springfield farms in the 1940s and ‘50s; other livestock on the family farm; use of spring water on the farm; subdivision of original farm; taking over the family farm operation; trucking business; Springfield as major distribution center for cheese (Kraft); transition from dairy to beef cattle and crops; assistance of Greene County Extension Agency; conservation efforts on the property; increasing yields from crop production; inflationary costs of farming; decrease of dairies in Greene County; challenges of succeeding in farming in the past and present; selling livestock, grass seed, and wheat from the family farm; dairy breeds and standards; enjoyment of farming; impact of technology on farming; migration of farming in the Ozarks; discussion of photographs and artifacts from the Crighton farm; prize-winning cows