Model farm

A model farm is an experimental farm, designed to research and demonstrate improvements in agricultural techniques, efficiency, and building layout. Model farms became popular during the Industrial Age, providing education to urbanized populations and encouraging improved welfare standards for agricultural workers. Farm buildings were designed to be beautiful as well as utilitarian, inspired by the ideals of the enlightenment.

Hofwyl: Early Example of Model Farm

In the nineteenth century, a combined effect of population pressure and the scientific revolution drove Western Europe to consider a fundamental revolution in agricultural training and practice. A number of prominent European agricultural experts, including the agricultural secretary of Scotland and famous agriculturalist Arthur Young, argued for the creation of institutions dedicated to agricultural experimentation.[1] One attempt to introduce scientific approach to agriculture was the formation of ‘model farms’ across Europe. These farms served as experimental models, in which to develop and experiment with husbandry practices and technology.

One of the most well-reputed and long-lasting model farms was Hofwyl, an estate near the Swiss city of Bern. In 1799, Philipp Emanuel von Fellenberg purchased 250 acres of land and over the next forty years, created five establishments on his model farm, which he named Hofwyl.[2] An agriculturist by trade and a moral reformer at heart, he sought to establish agricultural educational institutions dedicated to both scientific approach to agriculture and reconnecting individuals of all social classes to the land. His two most celebrated schools, the Scientific Educational Institution for the Higher Social Classes (1806) and the Poor School (1810) garnered attention and visitors from all over Europe and the United States.[3]

Through the establishment of an institution dedicated to the discipline of agricultural experimentation, improvement, and innovation, Fellenberg hoped to elevate his students’ minds and improve society in general. He divided his pupils between two aforementioned institutions: the sons of rich gentlemen and affluent landowners, and those of the poor and vagrants.[3] The Scientific Educational Institution for the Higher Social Classes provided rigorous academic and practical training in scientific disciplines deemed useful in agricultural studies, such as mathematics, chemistry, and natural history, while the Poor school sought to instill its less fortunate students with skills and manual training necessary for agricultural operations.[1] The former group followed a rigorous schedule from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering not only the theoretical aspects of studies, but also training in practical gardening and husbandry techniques and immersive work with local peasantry. The elite students were encouraged to undertake self-activities such as student government, and also shouldered the responsibility of experimenting with and maintaining their land plots.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Jones, Peter M. (2016-01-07). Agricultural Enlightenment: Knowledge, Technology, and Nature, 1750-1840. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780191025150.
  2. ↑ American Penny Magazine, and Family Newspaper. 1847.
  3. 1 2 Stewart, W. A. C. (1972-06-18). Progressives and Radicals in English Education 1750–1970. Springer. ISBN 9781349012206.
  4. ↑ A POPULAR DICTIONARY OF ARTS, SCIENCES, LITERATURE, HISTORY, POLITICS AND BIOGRAPHY, INCLUDING A COPIOUS COLLECTIOON OF ORIGINAL ARTICLES IN AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY: ON THE BASIS OF THE SEVENTH EDITION OF THE GERMAN CONVERSATIONS - LEXIOON. 1851.

Bibliography

  • Flagg, Maurice Irwin. Model farm houses. St. Paul, Minn.: University of Minnesota, Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Extension Division, 1914. Print.
  • Haslam, R, 1991,Leighton Hall Estate, Powys, Country Life 116-9.
  • G.E. Mingay, The Victorian countryside, Volume 1 (Routledge, 2000), p214 ff.
  • Robinson J M Georgian Model Farms: A Study of Decorative and Model Farm Buildings in the Age of Improvement 1700-1846. Oxford 1983.
  • Sarah Tarlow. The archaeology of improvement in Britain, 1750-1850 (Cambridge University Press, 2007), p67 ff.
  • Wade-Martins S. Historic Farm Buildings Batsford, London 1991.
  • Wade-Martins S. 2002, The English Model Farm – Building the Agricultural Ideal, 1700-1914” English Heritage/Windgather Press.
  • Wade-Martins S. 2010, The model farms of the Victorian Countryside “The Victorian: The magazine of the Victorian Society”. Issue 34, 4-8 July 2010
  • Wiliam E, 1986 Historical Farm Buildings of Wales, John Donald, Edinburgh


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