Watch Farmland

Farmland is a 2014 documentary film that gives viewers an intimate look at the lives and challenges faced by modern American farmers. The film was directed by James Moll and produced by David Belton, and features the perspectives of six different young farmers from across the United States. The film opens with stunning aerial shots of vast farmland landscapes, setting the stage for an exploration of the complexities and contradictions of contemporary agriculture. We are then introduced to Brad Bellah, a cattle rancher from Texas, who speaks about the family legacy that inspires his passion for ranching. Bellah describes the daily routines of caring for his livestock and the risks and rewards of running a family business in a volatile industry.

Next, we meet Leighton Cooley, a fifth-generation peanut farmer from Georgia who is working to innovate and optimize his family's farm. Cooley explains his use of Precision Agriculture technology to monitor soil health and crop yield, and discusses the challenges of remaining profitable in an industry that is often subject to unpredictable weather patterns and global market forces.

David Loberg, a young hog farmer from Minnesota, is the next farmer featured in the film. Loberg details the strict regulations and animal welfare guidelines that he must adhere to in raising his pigs, and shares his belief that transparency and ethical practices are essential to building consumer trust in farming.

The film also introduces us to other farmers, including Sutton Morgan, a California organic farmer; Ryan Veldhuizen, a Nebraska corn and soybean farmer; and Margaret Schlass, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer. Each of these farmers offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of farming in America today, from adapting to changing consumer preferences to managing the financial risks of crop production.

Throughout the film, we see moments of beauty and joy alongside stories of hardship and struggle. The farmers show us the pride they take in their work and the deep connection they feel to the land and animals they rely on for their livelihoods. We also witness the toll that the physical demands and financial pressures of farming can take, and learn about the broader social and economic contexts that shape the industry.

One of the strengths of Farmland is its ability to weave together the personal narratives of individual farmers with broader discussions of the politics and economics of agriculture. The film doesn't shy away from contentious issues such as the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or the controversy over the role of government subsidies in supporting farmers. However, it also emphasizes the importance of nuance and dialogue in understanding these complex issues.

Throughout the film, we see farmers working together and sharing ideas, as well as engaging with consumers and policymakers to promote a more sustainable and equitable food system. The film ultimately aims to foster a greater appreciation for the hard work and innovation that goes into producing the food we eat, while also encouraging viewers to ask critical questions about how we can create a more just and resilient agricultural system.

Overall, Farmland is a well-crafted and engaging exploration of the lives and experiences of American farmers. By highlighting the voices of young farmers from diverse regions and backgrounds, the film provides a nuanced and multi-faceted portrait of an industry that is too often simplified or overlooked. Whether you are a rural resident, an urban consumer, or simply someone interested in learning more about where our food comes from, Farmland offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at a vital aspect of American life.

Farmland is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 32.