Subsistence Farming

Definition

Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers grow enough food to meet the needs of their families, with little to no surplus for sale or trade. In the New England colonies, this practice was essential due to the region's rocky soil and harsh climate, which limited large-scale agricultural production. Families relied on subsistence farming to sustain themselves, focusing on crops like corn, beans, and squash, while also raising livestock for food and labor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence farming was prevalent in New England because of the region's short growing season and rocky terrain, making it difficult to produce cash crops.
2. Farmers typically cultivated small plots of land and grew a variety of crops for their own consumption rather than for market sale.
3. The reliance on subsistence farming led families to develop strong communal ties as they shared resources and labor during planting and harvesting.
4. Livestock played a crucial role in subsistence farming, providing not only meat but also dairy products, wool, and labor for plowing fields.
5. This agricultural practice significantly shaped the social structure of New England, as most families were self-sufficient and less dependent on external markets.

Review Questions

• How did the geography and climate of New England influence the practice of subsistence farming in the region?
  • The geography and climate of New England greatly impacted subsistence farming practices. The region's rocky soil and short growing season limited the types of crops that could be grown and reduced the overall agricultural output. As a result, families had to focus on growing just enough food for their own needs, leading to diverse crop cultivation that was tailored to local conditions. This geographical context made large-scale farming impractical and reinforced the reliance on subsistence methods.
• Discuss the social implications of subsistence farming within New England communities during this period.
  • Subsistence farming fostered strong community bonds among New England settlers as families worked together during planting and harvesting seasons. This cooperative spirit was vital for survival, as sharing resources and labor helped mitigate challenges posed by the harsh environment. Moreover, with most families focused on self-sufficiency rather than market dependence, social structures were characterized by tight-knit relationships, where neighbors supported one another through mutual aid and collaboration.
• Evaluate how subsistence farming shaped economic practices in New England compared to regions that relied on cash crops.
  • Subsistence farming in New England created an economy that was largely self-contained, prioritizing family needs over market transactions. Unlike regions that focused on cash crops for trade, New England's economy emphasized local consumption and barter systems for exchange. This difference meant that while other areas were developing commercial agricultural economies driven by profit motives, New England communities remained more resilient against market fluctuations, relying on their own production to meet daily needs. Such distinct economic practices reflected broader cultural values of self-reliance and community interdependence in the region.

Related terms

Crop Rotation: A farming practice where different crops are planted in a specific sequence over several seasons to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

Diverse Agriculture: Farming that includes a variety of crops and livestock to provide a balanced diet and minimize risk of crop failure.

Barter System: A method of exchange where goods and services are traded directly for other goods and services without using money.