Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2005
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Geography
Abstract
Farm scale has increased dramatically in the Upper Midwest since the early period of European settlement. This thesis investigates selected cultural factors believed to have been responsible for increasing farm size in this region. With over 125 years of records (both written and oral) documenting changes, the Rod Muller farm in Township 118 North, Range 54 West provides a fascinating case study. Tracing the growth of this farm's size and recounting the changes in the means of production since 1878 explicate the cultural catalysts to farm scale change. Paramount among these factors was the transition from dominantly subsistence farming to specialized commercial crop or livestock production. Changes in government policies and programs, education and managerial technologies, the land ownership vs. rental paradigm, and technological advancements also effectuated an increase in the average size of Upper Midwest farms.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Farms, Size of -- Middle West
Family farms -- South Dakota -- Codington County -- Case studies
Farm management
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
132
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Muller, Luke M., "Change of Scale in Upper Midwest Farms : A South Dakota Case Study" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1208.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1208