A Pilgrim People. They pushed the frontier westward during the 19th century and in this century they left the farm for the industrial jobs of the cities. In the current farm crisis they face yet another frontier, its nature still unclear. Today's rural folk are restive because this crisis threatens their sense of place. They hope this journey across a new frontier will lead some direction other they away from the farm.
Most observers believe that the family farm is endangered.
The economists' god, efficiency, has been enshrined. The farmers see themselves being crucified on a cross of computer chips. This hurts them deeply. Farmers value integrity. They hate hypocrisy and sham.