NPR

In 'This Blessed Earth,' The Outdated Romance Of The Family Farm

Journalist Ted Genoways spent a year on a small farm in rural Nebraska, and he says American nostalgia for the family farm overlooks the pressures farmers face and the realities of food production.

Lincoln is just 40 miles into Nebraska and yet there's almost no one between that city and the state's far western border.

That's how journalist and author Ted Genoways sees it. He spent a year studying a family farm in sparsely-populated York County, an hour outside Lincoln, and writes about it in his new book, This Blessed Earth.

"Nebraska is a land of ghosts of small towns dwindling to the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
There's Still A Chance To See The Northern Lights From Lower Latitudes
The solar storm that's pushing sightings of the Northern Lights to lower latitudes is forecast to continue into the coming days, but its impact has likely peaked.
NPR3 min read
WNBA Teams Will Travel On Chartered Flights For The Next 2 Seasons, The League Says
Before, teams could travel on chartered flights during the postseason and for back-to-back games in the regular season. Many players said the change will make recovery easier and make them feel safer.
NPR2 min read
Controlled Demolition Planned At Baltimore Bridge Collapse Site
After weeks of preparation, crews are scheduled to conduct a controlled demolition Sunday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

Related Books & Audiobooks