Most of my career has focused on the developing world – agriculture, environment, institutions – primarily in Latin America. I was a Peace Corp Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and return there regularly.
But I spent the first seven years of this millennium producing a book from the diaries and ledgers of an Illinois farm in the early half of the 20th century -- from the golden age through the Great Depression. The farming prosperity of the golden age was extraordinary, as was the resilience of the farmers through the Great Depression.
I've recently stepped down after 12 years as director for economics undergrad programs. Now I'm on sabbatical until Fall 2012, working on a farm history related research agenda. Check out my blog on Farmers markets, Food, Inc., and truths about the history of farming.