Perry Dilbeck

The Last Harvest

July 1- 31, 1999

Much of the farmland around my home is vanishing rapidly due to the growth in population and the numerous subdivisions which are being built to accommodate this growth. Twenty years ago, there were only 16 houses on my hometown road of three miles, but today more than five hundred houses exist. Most of this change is due to the commercial farming industry destroying farmer and forcing him to make money the only way he can–by selling his farmland. Each truck farmer typically owns less than 30 acres of land and grows food for his family. His survival is dependent upon selling any surplus at local farmer’s markets, along the roadside from the back of his truck, or at a simple stand in his backyard. While concentrating on older farmers whose land and homestead have been passed down through many generations, I have decided to document their fading world. I particularly wish tho provide small yet majestic glimpses into the lifestyles of these very proud people.