New Hampshire, fondly known as the Granite State, has an impressively rich agricultural history. This scenic state in the northeastern United States, part of the renowned New England region, has always maintained a strong bond with the land, a testament to its farming roots and rural heritage. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of farming practices in New Hampshire, from the earliest settlements to the present day.

The Dawn of Agriculture: Early Farming and Settlement (1623-1775)

The genesis of farming in New Hampshire can be traced back to the 17th century with the arrival of European settlers. Initially, the first permanent English settlement, established in 1623 by a group of fishermen and traders, was not predominantly agriculture-centric. However, with an influx of settlers, including those seeking refuge from religious persecution, farming emerged as a fundamental pillar of survival and economic growth.

These early settlers, through sheer hard work and determination, began the arduous process of clearing the dense New England forests to make way for farmland. They started with the cultivation of staple crops such as corn, beans, and squash. This trio was often referred to as the ‘Three Sisters’ crops, a farming method learned from the indigenous people who understood the symbiotic relationship between these three plants.

As more settlements sprouted across the region, the diversity of farming practices also increased. The settlers began to experiment with new crops and livestock, adapting to the changing seasons and conditions of New Hampshire’s varied terrain.

Rising Resilience: The Revolutionary War and Early Republic Era (1775-1850)

The Revolutionary War era and the subsequent years of the early Republic ushered in significant transformations in New Hampshire’s agricultural landscape. Although the war brought about disruptions in traditional farming operations, it also bred resilience and innovation among New Hampshire’s farming community.

Post-war, there was a noticeable shift towards more extensive farming operations, with a particular emphasis on dairy production and livestock rearing. This shift was reflective of the broader trends in American agriculture during that period.

This era also saw the introduction and adoption of new farming tools and practices that significantly enhanced productivity. The cotton gin’s invention in 1793, for instance, revolutionized agriculture across the country. Although New Hampshire was not a cotton-growing state, the cotton gin indirectly influenced its farming practices. New Hampshire farmers began to diversify their crop production, growing more wheat and rye, staples used for bread-making and animal feed.

Tides of Change: The Industrial Revolution and Modernization (1850-1945)

The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought about seismic changes to New Hampshire’s farming landscape. As burgeoning industries mushroomed in the urban centers, many farmers swapped their plows for factory jobs, enticed by the allure of consistent wages.

This migration led to a decrease in the number of farms. However, the remaining farms expanded in size and increased in productivity, compensating for the reduction in overall numbers. The Industrial Revolution also saw the introduction of machinery like the reaper and the plow, making farming more efficient and less labor-intensive.

This period marked a significant departure from the traditional smallholder farming model. Farmers began to specialize in certain crops and livestock, resulting in an agricultural landscape characterized by a handful of large-scale, specialized farms.

The Green Era: Post-War Period and The Green Revolution (1945-Present)

The post-war era brought further evolution to New Hampshire’s agricultural sector. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s introduced a new wave of technological advancements in farming. These included the use of modern machinery and chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which allowed for larger scale operations and enhanced productivity.

However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable reversion to smaller-scale, local farming operations. This resurgence can be attributed to an increasing consumer demand for locally sourced food and a growing awareness of the ecological benefits of small-scale farming​.

According to the 2018 Census of Agriculture, almost a quarter of farms in the state are less than 10 acres in size, and more than 40% of them sell less than $2,500 worth of agricultural products a year​. While many of these farms are part-time, it doesn’t mean they are merely hobby farms. They represent a vital part of the farming industry that is in various stages of development​​.

The trend towards smaller, local farms has been growing over time. In 1997, there were 2,937 farms in New Hampshire. A decade later, in 2007, the number of farms had increased to 4,166, an increase of more than one-third. However, the size of these farms has shrunk, with the average size in 2017 being 103 acres, with half under 35 acres​.

This shift towards smaller farms was a response to the challenges faced by traditional New Hampshire farms that relied on one or two crops sold to wholesalers. These farms were struggling due to competition from larger competitors in parts of the country where costs were lower. As a result, many were shutting down, and their fields were returning to forests or being sold and turned into developments​.

New Hampshire’s farming industry was revitalized when farmers began to sell directly to consumers, skipping the middleman. This shift was facilitated by the development of more outlets such as community-supported agriculture, farmers markets, and others. New Hampshire was home to one of the first CSAs in the country, the Wilton-Temple Cooperative Farm. Farmers markets, which were once a niche item in the 1980s, now exist in more than 45 towns around the state, some of which operate all year long​.

The local-food movement has led to the rise of small chicken operations operating on a free-range model. This movement has become so popular that the state added “domestic fowl” to a long-standing state law that makes owners of farm animals liable if their animals wander onto someone else’s property. The increase in backyard poultry has also led to the New Hampshire Fish and Game department providing information on how to set up an electric fence to keep bears away from chicken coops​.

While small-scale farming may not be a lucrative venture, it is a labor of love for many New Hampshire farmers. Many local farmers are finding new outlets for their produce and meat in restaurants, which are showing increasing interest in locally sourced food. This trend towards local consumption not only supports the local economy but also promotes healthier eating habits​.

Despite the challenges, the future of farming in New Hampshire looks bright. There is an increasing interest in agriculture, particularly among the younger generation. As one local farmer put it, “I see an interest coming in agriculture. And we need it: if we don’t get the younger generation interested in this, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble”​.

Conclusion

The history of farming in New Hampshire is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. From the early settlers who cleared forests to create farmland, through the transformations brought about by wars, industrialization, and technological advancements, to the present-day shift towards small-scale, locally-focused farming, the state’s farmers have consistently risen to meet the challenges of their time.

Today, they are navigating a new era of agriculture, one that requires them to balance the needs of their communities with the constraints of their land and the realities of the market. Despite the obstacles, they continue to innovate, embracing new sales models and farming practices to ensure their survival and growth. They are forging new relationships with consumers, selling directly to them through farmers markets, community-supported agriculture, and partnerships with local restaurants.

Moreover, the increasing demand for locally-sourced, fresh produce has offered a lifeline to these small-scale farms, providing them with a sustainable model that reinforces community ties and promotes healthier eating habits.

However, the future of farming in New Hampshire is not without its challenges. While the younger generation is showing interest in agriculture, it is crucial that this interest is nurtured and developed. This will ensure that the knowledge and passion for farming are passed down, maintaining the state’s rich agricultural tradition and safeguarding the industry’s future.

The history of farming in New Hampshire serves as a reminder that, while the industry is always evolving, the spirit of resilience and innovation among its farmers remains constant. As they look towards the future, the farmers of New Hampshire continue to carry with them the lessons and experiences of their past, ready to adapt and thrive no matter what the next chapter of their history holds.

Here’s another blog post I previously wrote regarding the new trend of Container Farming.