Close, Steve 2013-06-27
This interview features Steve Close, a Colorado farmer and active member of the American Agriculture Movement. Steve discusses farming in Walsh, Colorado and the Farm Crisis of the 1970s. He recounts the various farm strikes and protests of the movement and remembers his involvement in the D.C Tractorcade of 1979. Close voices both the regrets and triumphs of AAM, and its impact on farming in America.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Steve Close
Additional Parties Recorded: n/a
Date: June 27, 2013
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Andy Wilkinson
Length: 02:43:31 (2 hour, 43 minutes)
Abstract
Early life and introduction to farming; Farming in Walsh; water-witching; Working for Defense Department; 1977 farmer’s strike; Regrets about strike; Benefit at Texas Stadium; 1977 protest in D.C.; 1978 protest in Denver; 1978 protest in Springfield; Tractorcade to D.C.; Tractorcade continued; Colorado Rural Rehabilitation Commission; FMHA issues/1981 blizzard aftermath; 1981 blizzard continued; Greeley Natural Gas Class Action Suit; Corrupt FMHA practices; Life after farming; Political Action Committee; PAC continued
Access Information
Original Recording Format: born digital audio
Recording Format Notes: audio CD recording available for listening in our Reading Room
Transcript: found here: http://hdl.handle.net/10605/214973
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