George Washington on Farming and Farmers:

“I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman's cares.” George Washington (1732-99), U.S. general, president. Letter, 20 July 1794.

Thomas Jefferson on Farming and Farmers:

“Whenever there are in any country uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right. The earth is given as a common stock for man to labor and live on. . . . The small landowners are the most precious part of a state.” Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, 28 Oct. 1785, to politician (later president) James Madison.

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