Dustbowl Diary

The agricultural landscape of rural America has changed dramatically since 1900, when nearly half of the U.S. population lived and worked on farms. That number now rests at just two percent, and more than one-third of today’s farmers are over the age of 65. Every week, faced with economic hardship, long hours, and corporate competition, hundreds of farmers leave their land for good. The independent family farm is an essential part of our diverse American fabric, representing strength, tenacity, patience, and perseverance. The men, women and children of America’s family farms are a treasured part of our national heritage. All part of my American Portrait series, these works are inspired by photographs taken for the U.S. Farm Security Administration during the 1930’s, and are my tribute to the independent American farm. (Original images courtesy Library of Congress)