The Real Agricultural Revolution: The Transformation of English Farming, 1939-1985

This book provides a detailed and authoritative history of agricultural change in the second half of the twentieth century, combining individual returns of the Farm Management Survey with oral histories of the farmers who enacted change. It challenges the idea of rapid technology adoption and reveals the unevenness, variability, and complexity of the changes that took place.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

An in-depth exploration of farming practices during a period of seismic transformation.

Winner of the 2022 Thirsk Prize and the 2022 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award, this meticulously researched book provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of agricultural change in the second half of the twentieth century.

Through a skillful blend of individual returns from the Farm Management Survey and oral histories of the farmers who drove change on the ground, the book offers an insightful portrayal of the intricate technological, political, and cultural developments that gave rise to some of the most significant transformations in English farming history.

This seminal work will serve as a vital reference point for scholars and enthusiasts interested in delving into the history of agricultural change in Britain.

Professor Mark Riley, University of Liverpool

At the onset of World War II in 1939, British agriculture relied heavily on the physical strength of men, women, and horses, employing predominantly nineteenth-century technology to produce less than half of the country's temperate food. By 1985, the landscape had undergone significant transformation, with less land and fewer people engaged in farming. The power sources and technologies had undergone a complete metamorphosis, resulting in a more than twofold increase in agricultural output.

This narrative revolves around the national farm, capturing the endeavors and experiences of approximately 200,000 farmers and their families, along with the individuals they employed. However, it is important to note that this story does not pertain to any individual farmer in particular. We possess limited knowledge about change at the individual farm level, as the experiences varied significantly across farms and different technologies.

The foundation of this study is an astonishingly resilient archive of Farm Management Survey accounts, supplemented by oral histories from select farmers. This unique combination of sources sheds light on the diverse pathways of transformation and the complex interplay of factors that shaped agricultural practices during this transformative era.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837651108