Farmland

Farmland is a thought-provoking and enlightening documentary released in 2014 that dives deep into the lives of several American farmers and ranchers. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Moll, this film breaks down misconceptions surrounding modern farming, providing a genuine look at the men and women who spend their lives nourishing our nation.

The film’s protagonists are six young farmers and ranchers who inherit the rich tradition of farming and are tasked with the responsibility of navigating the complexities of modern farming. Starring Brad Bellah, Leighton Cooley, David Loberg, among others, these individuals share their stories that are not only about their life's work but also about their dedication, passion, and contribution to preserving an essential tradition.

Brad Bellah, a sixth-generation cattle rancher from Texas, gives an intimate perspective into the intricate workings of the cattle industry and provides an in-depth analysis of beef production processes. His segment is an insightful exploration of his everyday routine, where he discusses the arduous and rewarding realities of ranching.

Leighton Cooley from Georgia is the fourth generation in his family to work on poultry farms. His story demonstrates the high level of care that goes into chicken farming and the integral role scientific and technological advancements have played in increasing effectiveness and animal welfare.

David Loberg stands out as a fifth-generation grain farmer in Nebraska. His story reveals a close-knitted community where everyone is linked to agriculture, directly or indirectly. Loberg shares how he copes with the vicissitudes that Mother Nature presents, discussing the impacts of weather conditions on farming.

Apart from these, the film also delves into the lives of other young farmers such as Margaret Schlass of Pennsylvania, who is a sole proprietor of an organic vegetable farm; Ryan Veldhuizen who runs a fourth-generation family farm in Minnesota; and Sutton Morgan who, against the odds, started a produce farm in California. Their stories showcase a symbiotic relationship with nature, filled with challenges and triumphs inherent to agriculture.

Farmland demonstrates farming as a labor of love, a career that's not merely a nine-to-five job but a full-time commitment, guarding a legacy left by previous generations. This commitment is seen in the way these young farmers and ranchers work day and night, irrespective of harsh weather conditions and the daunting unpredictability that the agricultural industry presents. Their persistent hard work and undeniable passion buttress the backbone of America's food production.

The film is one-of-a-kind with its unique storytelling approach. It successfully adopts a strategy of following its subjects through their daily lives, allowing audiences to gain a first-hand perspective into the world of farming as told by the farmers themselves. Moll allows the farmers' authentic voices shine throughout the film, resulting in a documentary that is both engaging and enlightening.

Farmland educates the audience about farming in the ongoing era of industrialization and urbanization. Importantly, the film doesn’t shy away from speaking about controversial topics such as animal welfare, GMOs, and organic farming. Instead, these issues are confronted head-on, showcasing the efforts being made within the farming community to tackle these challenges while providing safe and sustainable food resources.

On a cinematographic level, Farmland captures scenes of spectacular American landscapes that are beautifully weaved into the narrative. The viewer gets to witness the breath-taking beauty of vast acres of farmland as the movie pans out aerial views of lush green fields, making one appreciate the unbounded beauty of rural America and the men and women working the lands.

Farmland isn’t just a documentary. It is a tribute to the people who provide the fundamental resources for survival – food. For those who are curious about where our food comes from, this film shines a light on those who are responsible for bringing food to our tables. By offering us direct access to the lives and voices of these farmers, Farmland invites us not just to learn and understand more about modern-day agriculture, but to be a part of the conversation.

Farmland is more than a documentary recounting the experiences of six farmers. It's an invitation to join the sustainable food movement, to better understand the hard work that goes into each and every farm product, and to not just appreciate but also support local farming. This compelling narrative will surely leave you with a newfound respect and admiration for all farmers.