The abundance of farm land was what drew many people to the United States. Most of the early farmers in this country farmed for their own survival. Few immigrants realized the harsh reality involved in farm life. They had to find sufficient water sources, contend with clearing the land and avoid wild animals. As the United States was settled, the number of farms continued to grow.
Farmers usually specialize in one type of crop or animal, though some raise both.
There are almost as many methods of farming as their are types. Farmers all over the country have used a variety of methods to raise plants and animals for hundreds of years now. The accompanying web page is divided into a series of topics and includes a timeline, first-person accounts and a teachers' guide. This is an especially wonderful resource. Among its many remarkable resources Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts includes information about the daily workings of a nineteenth century New England Farm.