Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Dispatches From Farm Country by Jim Patrico introduces the author's urban upbringing and his unexpected journey into agricultural journalism, leading him to immerse his family in rural Missouri culture. The book explores his family roots and quickly shifts to the dramatic farm crisis of the 1980s, focusing on the “Great Soybean Raid” led by Wayne Cryts, a farmer who defied authorities to reclaim his stored grain from a bankrupt elevator, becoming a symbolic hero for struggling farmers. The book then explores the broader theme of rural depopulation, or the "long hollowing out," examining its historical causes, from technological advancements in farming to economic pressures and the decline of small towns, exemplified by the challenges faced by Worth County, Missouri. This book examines the resilience and ingenuity of farming families in challenging times, specifically highlighting the Carter & Stevens Farm in Massachusetts, which diversified into a successful brewery to sustain their dairy operation after a family crisis. This narrative spans four decades and captures the soul of rural America with forensic clarity.

Jim Patrico introduces readers to everyday people in Dispatches From Farm Country. He cleverly captures the soul of the rural people, expanding on their struggles and aspirations while observing the undercurrents of change and development. His initial suburban perspective slowly gives way to a deep appreciation and understanding of rural life. His grandfathers, Luigi Patrico and Joseph Malcolm Navin, are sketched affectionately, representing different facets of farming heritage and the immigrant experience. Wayne Cryts is a reluctant hero whose defiance in the face of economic collapse resonates with the struggles of many farmers. Readers also meet the resilient Stevens family of Massachusetts – Phil, Erin, Will, Molly, and Sean DuBois – whose collective determination and innovative spirit engineer the adaptability needed for survival in a changing agricultural landscape. This book is about the dramatic transformation of rural America, driven by economic forces, technological advancements, and demographic shifts. The decline of the family farm and the rise of larger, more industrialized operations are central to this theme. This book is crafted with heart and infused with detail. It will inform and entertain readers.