Sims, G I 1974-07-11
Terry County farmer G. I. Sims discusses his personal history and changes in his farming operation.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: G.I. Sims
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: July 11, 1974
Location: Brownfield, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour 20 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background, early life,
Reasons for move to Brownfield (1922),
Use of Mexican labor for mesquite grubbing,
Attempts to mechanically remove sand from cotton after 1926,
Sandstorm recalled,
Conversion to tractor discussed,
Mrs. Sims’ first impressions of the Plains (1928),
Significance of deep breaking practices given,
Early use of arsenic for insect control noted,
Skepticism of 4-row tractor and attitude toward mechanization,
Post-war lifestyle changed,
Claims sprinkler irrigation system needed from the beginning (1953),
Farm labor (family, braceros) cited,
Advantages, disadvantages of early cotton strippers surveyed,
Attitude toward defoliants, herbicides, fertilizers,
Johnson grass problems.
Tape 1, Side 2: Johnson grass problems (continued),
Interest in cooperatives expressed,
Comments on consolidation into larger farms,
Son’s assumption of farm management discussed,
Comments on love of soil.
Range Dates: 1922-1974
Bulk Dates: 1922-1950s
Access Information
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Transcript:
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