Great Depression
Background Information for Teachers and Students
Excerpt from Johnson County 1825-2005: A Pictorial History
Dust Bowl Farming
Many farm families were severely impacted by poor weather and market conditions in the 1930s. The ability of farmers to make ends meet was squeezed by the impact of soil erosion, drought, floods, pest infestations, and low prices on all farm commodities. Federal relief programs provided assistance, and locally, county extension agents focused on helping farmers overcome these situations and maintain viable farming operations by incorporating new techniques to reduce soil erosion and conserve water. By 1939, 3,115 farm homes were actively seeking services from the extension office.
Soil erosion proved to be a major problem, and county extension agents placed a high priority on educating Johnson County farmers about the best strategies to preserve their farms. Terracing and soil saving dams prevented erosion and improved the moisture content in soils. Educational demonstrations introduced the idea to local farmers in 1927 and by 1935, 2,500 acres were terraced on approximately ninety farms. Farmers could earn allowances through the Agricultural Conservation Program if they carried out terracing projects according to specifications. By the end of the 1930s, many farmers were on waiting lists to have their fields terraced.
Droughts, extreme temperatures, and pest infestations also plagued farmers throughout the decade, ruining crops and damaging property. Drought-stricken farmers did receive aid through the Resettlement Administration, providing loans to purchase livestock, equipment, and mortgage financing. Severe droughts in 1934, 1936, and 1937 reduced feed supplies and forced reductions in all classes of livestock. Many farmers were forced to sell livestock because they could not afford to feed them, and all were encouraged by county extension agents to cull their herds. Federal assistance was also provided to farmers to combat epidemics of grasshoppers. More than fifteen tons of grasshopper bait was distributed to farmers in 1938 to poison the vermin. Crop yields were nonetheless down or suffered complete failure for the year.
