Imperial Valley press., 1937-12-19
The Farmers Corner
BY Ralph Taylor
ADJUSTMENT NEEDED"

highly ;debatable. For example, high
rural birth rates. for several gen.
erations. have served as a partial
offset to declining city birth rates,
thereby baniShing the specter of
race suicide. II the present drop
in the farm baby crop is evidence
of a fundamental trend toward
smaller families back on the farm,
then SociologistS, biologists, and
economists may find need to as
semble in solemn conclave to con-
slider the matter. But history teach
es that the stork usually appears
with less frequency Immediately
after periods of economic depres-
sion-and it is quite possible that
fewer farm babies merely reflect
a prolonged period OF fewer farm
dollars. with the further possibil-
ity that birth rates will return to
normal when, as and if farm income
returns to normal.
Economic conditions in the ma
tion as a whole also have pro-
nounced bearing on the migration
of farm folks to the cities and the
shift of city residents to the farm.
Illustrative of this principle is the
fact that from 1890 to 1885 farm
population increased every year. But
when the general public came to
the conclusion the depression had
ended-from the start of 1886 to
the middle of l937-farm popula-
tion fiwindled There was a trek
to the city-where, in theory. at
least-the fields are greener and
labor is less arduous.
Such changes have gone on at
intervals throughout the nations
history. From 1910 to 1918, there
was a decrease in farm population
But following the war, farm popu-
lation increased until 1921. Between
1922 and 1929. with boom condi-
tions in the cities. farm popula-
ton dwindled again-only to in
crease a year or two later when
breadlines formed with alarming
suddenness in the metropolitan
areas.
These periodic changes are sub
ject to ready Interpretation. But
the fact that farm population today
is slightly less than in 1910 while
the nations population as a whole
is 40 per cent greater, requires other
explanation.
A somewhat cynical observer OF
the passing scene commented re-
Gently that Modern man will be
hanged by his own efficiency" His
comment. without doubt. was oc-
casioned by the fact thai efficient.
high-spee1 equipment sometimes
seemingly increases production,
while decreasing consumption-by
reason of throwing men out of en-
ployment!
There is fallacy in that argument,
too. however, as any serious student
OF economics will be quick TO testify.
Farm tractors. for instance. have
eliminated many farm workers. But
they also also created new employ
ment for tens of thousands Of work.
ers in city factories-one of the
many reasons for shifting popula-
ton. And by lowering costs of
production, tractors, undoubtedly,
have lowered prices, thereby in
creasing consumption.
If the present civilization is
hanged, it will not be because Of
increased efficiency. but because of
inefficiency in adjusting to chang
ing conditions The new order may
mean that fewer farmers will be
required to feed more consumers,
but it should also mean-if our
national efficiency is really eff
cient-that city consumers will con-
tribute more dollars TO raise the
level of farm income. And that,
in turn. should mean increased farm
demand for city-made goods. All
that is required. actually, is am
adjustment in the economic