The Impact of Automation on Rural Populations in America

Robotics and digital technologies are transforming the way we farm, which poses significant challenges for rural communities. Caleb Beers has done a thoughtful analysis of the problem, but the solution remains elusive.

Declining Rural Services Due to Automation

The core issue arises from the concentration of agricultural services in larger towns and cities, leaving rural areas behind. For example, a farm that was once two miles from a small town now requires a 20-minute drive for basic groceries. Without easy access to essential services like medical care, the potential for rural towns to flourish diminishes.

Places like Walmart Superstores are prime examples of this trend, as they fulfill a multitude of needs that once required multiple smaller services. Small towns can no longer support just agricultural needs, and many are resorting to forms of tourism, such as wine country tours or mountain hiking, to stay afloat. However, the inevitable decline of others is a stark reminder of the upcoming challenges for rural communities.

The Reality of Rural Subsistence

The rural population is already struggling to sustain itself, and with the continued automation of farming and manufacturing, the situation may worsen. The concept of critical mass is crucial here: there is a certain minimum population required to support a town's infrastructure including doctors, lawyers, and utility workers. Once this population declines, the town begins to deteriorate.

Historically, rural communities were heavily agriculture-based, relying on farmers, farmhands, and various service providers to maintain their services. When the core population of farmers and farmhands dwindles, so do the supporting services. Without this critical mass, grocery stores and other essential businesses struggle to survive, further exacerbating the decline of rural towns.

Facing the Automation Challenges

Automation has eliminated many jobs traditionally held by farmhands, leading to highly automated, family-run farms. The demand for goods and services in these areas is now limited to the family farms and their immediate need for healthcare, legal services, and maintenance of infrastructure. However, the question remains: who will pay for the roads and maintenance that ensure these farms can operate efficiently and transport their produce to urban areas?

The tech-centric solution of transitioning to large-scale, industrial farms and full automation seems overly ambitious and unrealistic. While technologists may envision a world without human interaction in farming, the complexity of agricultural work, particularly the need for nuanced decision-making, highlights the challenges in implementing such a solution.

The reality is that we must find alternative ways to support rural communities without relying on a dying model of labor-intensive agriculture. This may involve exploring new models of cooperation, innovation, and local economic development to create a sustainable future for rural populations.

Conclusion

The challenge of maintaining rural populations in the face of automation is complex and multifaceted. While technological solutions may seem promising, they often overlook the unique aspects of agricultural work. By focusing on innovation and community support, we can find pathways to ensure that both urban and rural populations thrive.