Oral History Interview with Lauch Faircloth, July 16, 1999. Interview I-0070. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Successful farmer, businessman, and politician Lauch Faircloth discusses the changes in North Carolina's agricultural economy since World War II. Faircloth, who made millions with his flexible, pragmatic approach to business, scoffs at a variety of players in the agricultural scene: stodgy Midwestern farmers, opponents of factory farming, nostalgics, and others. His impatience with people who ignore or resist change seems based on what agricultural innovation can do for poor people by freeing them from punishing work and making food affordable. These people, he maintains, will benefit from the increasing industry consolidation he predicts.
Excerpts
Successful leadership drives growth of banking in Charlotte
WWII transforms American agriculture
History of agriculture in North Carolina
Role of federal government in American farming industry
Faircloth's path to success
Innovation and stagnation in farm industry
Faircloth derides antiquated mindsets
Technological innovation enabled successful cigarette marketing
Research has more impact on farming than regulation
Lack of concern about suburbanization's effect on farming
Technology and modern agriculture
Support for environmental controls on farming
Specialized farming will take over industry
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Change in the Mountains
Subjects
Agriculture--North Carolina--History--20th century
Banks and banking--North Carolina--History--20th century
Faircloth, Lauch (Duncan MacLauchlan)
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