NIAGARA, Wis. — Last week I shared with you that I always remember my grandparents’ farm at this time of year. The harvest time is an important time for farmers; it is the culmination of their work all year. I recently read a very interesting book on the history of agricultural development in America and learned that the practice of agriculture directly helped our nation to grow and prosper. It is so important that we do not lose our connection to the land. We need to remember that the earth provides us with our food supply, and we all have a responsibility to protect and respect it. So, I want to spend some time sharing with you what I learned about the role of agriculture in our society and how the very hard work of the farmer grew America.

Long before the first white settlers set foot on America’s shores, native Americans were farming the country. They had a very different understanding of their relationship to the land as they had no concept of land ownership. The land was a gift from the Great Spirit. Only he could take it away. Indian land could not be sold because it did not belong to the present generation.

The present generation acted only as a trustee of the land for the generations yet unborn. In this respect, then, the Indians could neither understand nor accept the white settlers’ concept of land sales, absolute ownership and speculation. This philosophical difference was an issue as each area of the country was settled and as each region developed an agricultural society based upon its soil, growing conditions and distance from markets.

The northern colonies of New England were faced with a cold climate, a short growing season and rocky soil. They began growing a variety of grains and an assortment of garden vegetables. Additionally, they raised cattle, hogs, sheep and horses. They did not fence their livestock, allowing them to roam and graze at will. A town “keeper” rounded them up at the end of each day and returned them to the appropriate farm. Eventually, as more crops were planted, fencing did become necessary. Crop failures were common in those early years and there were no soil conservation measures; as land was depleted, the farmers simply cleared more.

As agriculture grew in New England, port cities developed to transport agricultural products for trade. A merchant and artisan class developed in support of farmers, and cities developed early in the northeast.

Colonial farmers were never just subsistence farmers; they always had a vision and plan to grow enough to sell, and farming was always a business for them. As time went on, they continued to diversify their production so they could supply what farmers in other areas of the country could not.

Large plantations developed in the south, and plantation owners grew crops that were very labor intensive so slavery began early. They began with corn because it could grow on partially cleared land, and progressed to tobacco, known back then as an “esteemed weed.”

They also grew rice in the floodplains of South Carolina and Georgia, a crop that required 50 to 100 slaves per plantation. The introduction of the cotton crop was the impetus that grew the southern economy. The acquisition of New Orleans as part of the Louisiana Purchase gave them a port, the invention of the cotton gin allowed massive amounts of cotton to be picked, and the Industrial Revolution in England gave them a market.

The growth of the southern “cotton kingdom” allowed a class system to develop: 5% of southerners owned 36% of the land, 50% owned only 6% and 40% of the people lived in slavery. Slaves would be replaced by sharecroppers after the Civil War, but it would not be until World War II that the south would finally move away from their single-crop agriculture. And it would not be until the 1970s that Black farmers would own their own farms. There was a new urban emphasis in the South, and farming became an unseen endeavor practiced by a minority of the population.

The midwestern and prairie farms developed as farmers pushed west for new opportunities. It took an extreme amount of backbreaking work to clear farmland from forests and to break through the root system of the tough prairie grasses. Hogs were raised and driven over the Appalachian Mountains to market; later steamboats on the Mississippi River helped midwestern farmers get their products to market. As railroads were developed more livestock and crops could be shipped.

Farmers in these areas had to adjust the crops they planted to fit their new environment. There were droughts, grasshopper infestations and constant wind. With the help of New Deal legislation from the Roosevelt administration, they survived the Dust Bowl and were able to irrigate their land. We have these areas to thank for today’s extensive corn and wheat crops.

Right from the beginning, California became the nation’s grocer concentrating on fruits and vegetables. Their vineyards supply us with some of the best wines in the world. It was neither a land nor an environment where the small farmer could be successful for long. Large, corporate farms financed by non-agricultural investors soon grew California into a land of haves and have-nots. Growers and urbanites competed for water. Government programs also supported the largest growers because they were the most efficient. Thanks to the railroads, immigrant labor — first Chinese and later Mexican — and government-financed irrigation projects, large corporate farms thrived.

The federal government helped farmers develop the land and produce our food with a host of policies and programs. It truly was a love-hate relationship, and farmers had different attitudes toward government “partnerships” depending upon the area of the country in which they lived. Northeastern farmers felt concern over competition from foreign markets before the rest of the country. Southern farmers simply wanted the government to leave them alone and stay out of the business of agriculture entirely. Midwestern farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan were especially militant as they dumped their milk when dairy prices threatened to put them out of business. Farmers on the Great Plains worried most about water policies, and California farmers had concerns over large growers receiving preferential government treatment while they were struggling to stay in business. Once again, the Roosevelt administration’s development of the rural electrification program was a boon to farmers across the country.

The advancement of technology helped farmers work, and care for, the land. The internal combustion engine tractor — with their attachments that accomplished everything from clearing, planting, cultivating and harvesting crops — allowed more and more acres to be farmed. Chemistry improved agriculture as well. Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and improved hybrid seeds increased acreage yields exponentially.

The field of biotechnology has introduced drought resistant wheat and soybeans, herbicide resistant tomato plants, cotton immune to caterpillars, and corn that repels army worms. Science has found ways to genetically engineer the plants to better fit changing growing environments and the needs of the farmer. This has allowed the ever-shrinking population of farmers — from 90% in colonial days to 1.6% today — to continue to produce enough food to feed our nation and to trade with the world.

So, the next time you run to the grocery store, mentally thank the farmer for all of his, or her, hard work expended to get the food to your table. And remember that we are all stewards of this wonderful land that has given so much to all of us. It is important for us to remember that we all play a part in keeping our environment healthy so it can continue to sustain us now and well into the future.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; coloring/residents’ choice, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; gardening, 1:30 p.m.; No Six dice game, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Pastor Sam, 10:45 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: For the love of nails, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Friday: White board game, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spooky coloring; visit with coffee at the nursing desk.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; car races, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; cocoa and cookies, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Norway Senior Center, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; senior bball, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/costume prep, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Bob Larson’s music, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Costume prep, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; you be the judge, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game/ room visits, 9 a.m.; spelling bball, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care / ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; women’s club birthday celebration, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pumpkin painting, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; jack-o-lantern game, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed. Family members are also invited to daily scheduled activities.

Sunday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; exercise-stretching, 10 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise, bag toss, 10 a.m.; Halloween crafts, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.; trunk or treat, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/“Price Is Right,” 10 a.m.; western movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune” and refreshments 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.

Monday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Pumpkin decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; mind jobbers, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; fish fry outing, 11:30 a.m.; spa treatments and manicures, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken sandwich, confetti beans, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O cup with fruit.

Thursday: Beef wet burrito, rice, refried beans.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday – serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese burger, potato salad, baked beans.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, fried potatoes, broccoli.

Wednesday: Liver or chicken breast, parsley potatoes, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, Oriental vegetables.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pizza and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Homemade pasties.

Wednesday: Lasagna and garlic bread.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, roasted parsley potatoes, buttered corn.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, roasted parsley potatoes, buttered corn.

Friday: Pancakes, sausage, oatmeal, orange juice.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Les Artistes Art Club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards, smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken cordon bleu, potato wedges, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and Swiss sliders, three-bean salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sub sandwich, potato salad, fruit salad.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Country style ribs, sauerkraut, baked sweet potato, peas and carrots, apple slices with caramel dip.

Thursday: All centers closed for staff training.

Friday: Black bean soup, coleslaw, breadsticks, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesdays only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for an onsite meal need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, whole wheat hamburger bun, oven potatoes, green beans, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Scrambled eggs, ham, hashbrowns, tomato juice, orange, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Boneless barbecue ribs, boiled potatoes, green beans, sunshine cake, dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken breast, parmesan roasted potatoes, broccoli, pineapple, whole wheat bread.

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, cook’s choice vegetable, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals. Carryout meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Caesar salad, cottage cheese, pineapple.

Tuesday: Cheese raviolis with marinara sauce, Italian blend vegetables, breadstick.

Wednesday: Italian sub sandwich, pasta salad, fruit cup.

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli, dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 or younger. Transportation is available.

Monday: Tuna casserole, carrots, wheat bread, cherry crisp.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad with cucumbers, garlic bread, pears.

Wednesday: Seasoned chicken breast, diced home fries with peppers and onions, mixed vegetables, poke cake.

Thursday: Pork chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables, chow mein noodles, Mandarin oranges, dinner roll and cookie.

The center will have bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pickup from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli, garlic bread, vegetables.

Tuesday: Philly steak sandwich, potato wedges, vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Beef chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meeting on Thursday.

Center activities schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. – call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays – Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays – Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month – Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month – Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken sandwich, confetti beans, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O cup with fruit.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, side salad, garlic breadstick.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals –

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit.