Farmer's Life
A farmer would have a variety of typical schedules, depending on the seasons. The tilling, planting, harvesting, and storage of farm bounty was what they spent most of their time doing, but it wasn't the only thing that filled a farmer's day. Maintaining large farmhouses and all subsequent buildings, such a barns was hard work in itself. Farmers also had to be well versed in selling their excess goods so that they could purchase items that required cash or know how to bargain to get the best bartering deals. Anything that wasn't bought, had to be made, so many farmers also had basic woodworking skills and a variety of other rudimentary skills. The most successful farms had a combination of small crops so they had to purchase less. For example, having sheep allowed them to produce wool without having to buy it. Usually, they would try to cultivate at least one larger crop as well so they could sell a portion or trade it.
Farmers would work all day and relax after it began to get dark, completing their last chores by lamp light. The introduction of complicated farm equipment meant that farmers could produce and refine food much more quickly.
1. Would this change make farms larger or smaller?
2. Would farms need more or less workers after machines are introduced?
3. What would be a negative impact of using machinery? What would be a positive impact?
Farmers would work all day and relax after it began to get dark, completing their last chores by lamp light. The introduction of complicated farm equipment meant that farmers could produce and refine food much more quickly.
1. Would this change make farms larger or smaller?
2. Would farms need more or less workers after machines are introduced?
3. What would be a negative impact of using machinery? What would be a positive impact?