The Revolution In American Agriculture (1970)
A painting titled “Farm of the Future” by David Meltzer, which was commissioned by the National Geographic Society, and created under the influence of the U.S.D.A. The painting shows a futuristic farm that consists of crop dusters, cow condos, and a centralized glass domed control center. A generic pristine city can be seen in the distance, nestled between majestic mountains and the futuristic farm. It seems as if the Jetsons could descend any moment by aerocar. The painting illustrates a common view of the future, in which technology frees society from current or anticipated problems and demands. It is a utopian view of both the rural industrial farm, and the clean industrial city. The two exist seemingly in harmony, though in complete isolation from one another. --Shana Berger