We spent this past weekend viewing the variety of fall colors in the mountains and valleys of central west Maine. We observed swarths of green pine trees, bright red maples, and yellow aspens and birches spreading to the horizon, competing for space. Where they overlapped each other there was a brilliance of variegated colors. As we enjoyed the kaleidoscope of color, I thought how dull it would be if only one species of trees took over the whole landscape — it would also be the demise of supporting habitat for many animals and birds. The land would become a food desert for both animals and plants. Most life would weaken or risk extinction.
Once upon a time there was a large acreage of a single crop that came to be threatened by insects and disease, and potentially a drought or a flood. This difficulty puzzled farmworker Jack. He had understood that monoculture guaranteed a successful and prosperous harvest year after year. Yet, this year it seemed obvious that the crop was headed toward a disaster. Then, one day Jack noticed the healthy growth of different plants and species growing up to the edges of the depleted farm land. Taking a cue from the growth of healthy plants in the wild, he began to plan a new method for raising crops.
Guided by his observations of the healthy wild growth, farmworker Jack reasoned that crop rotation and companion planting might be an alternative to monoculture. Rotating crops build up the nutrients in the soil. Companion planting can discourage plagues of insects and disease. When all is said and done, diversity contributes to security and abundance for plants, animals and human beings. It is the variety that contributes to a healthy supportive community. The environment suffers when diversity lessens and plant migration is disrupted.
However, farmer McDonald was not happy with farmworker Jack’s ideas to save the corn harvest. He called Jack into the McDonald farmhouse office. “Jack, you are the best farmhand in the whole country, maybe in the whole world. I need you abandon this foolishness of creating false security and divisive diversity to improve my corn crop. Instead, clear more of my land to make bigger corn fields. A big corn harvest means big profits. So, buy more fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicides. Negotiate with the country of Platter for all of their best corn seed. And tell Platter that to be our country’s friend, they must be loyal to the McDonald Farm Corporation.”
McDonald demanded complete loyalty from farmworker Jack. He expected Jack to carry out every detail of his orders, without any reservations. And Jack should never discuss any alternatives with colleagues or friends. If there was any sign of resistance, McDonald would withhold the finances needed to research Jack’s theory. And he would lay off any workers supportive of Jack’s ideas. There could not even be a hint of disagreement with McDonald. He saw himself as the greatest farmer in the nation and the grandest dealmaker in the world.
However, nature has a way of extracting humility from its adversaries. Farmworker Jack did everything in his power to stroke McDonald’s ego. New land was cleared, larger corn crops were planted. The plants were fertilized, hungry insects were pesticided and migrating species were herbicided. But, no matter how faithful Jack was to McDonald’s wishes, the vitality of the land depleted, the wilting corn thirsted and the harvest was less each year. The McDonald farm went into bankruptcy. McDonald was as lonely as the last barren stock of corn. He never was able to accept any fault for the failure of his dream. After all, he knew he was grandest farmer in the land.
Farmworker Jack and his companion workers were able to put together enough of a deposit to buy the old McDonald farm. The corn and the other vegetables and fruits soon blended into the wild display of nature’s kaleidoscope of fall colors. Taking a cue from the growth of the thriving healthy vegetables and fruit, Jack came up with a plan for a bright future for the people in his country. He spread the word and encouraged an exploration of the ways of diversity, cooperation, security and inclusion in the plant world. Was it possible that human beings could learn from McDonald’s obstinance and from Jack’s new farming successes on old McDonald’s farm? Jack knew. He lived happily ever after.
John Buttrick writes from his Vermont Folk Rocker in his Concord home, Minds
Crossing. He can be reached at johndbuttrick@gmail.com.