The development of commercial farming in the mid-19th century was a critical component of industrialization in the United States. This research examines when, how, and why farmers in the Town of Fenner, New York began this transition and helped to create one of the most productive dairy industries in the country. In this lecture, Dr. Eric Jones examines the relationships between the spatial arrangement of farms, production strategies, surplus production, environmental features, and the built environment. Unlike surrounding towns and counties that were heavily shifting to dairy farming by 1850, most farmers in Fenner were increasing production through growth of a diversified set of agricultural activities. Soil quality, location relative to churches, and access to labor were important factors in this process. However, surplus production was unstable throughout the latter part of the century, likely due to the relative isolation of the town from population centers and market access therein. The result was a focus on diversified farming and community economic well-being over individual financial independence, which had noticeable impacts on household economics and labor patterns.

About the speaker: Eric Jones received his BA from Hamilton College and MA and PhD from Penn State University. He has held faculty positions at Wake Forest University, the University of South Carolina, and now the University of Colorado.