The Changing pattern of Agriculture in the Laggan during the twentieth century by Billy Mc Kinley

The changes which took place in the pattern of agriculture in the Laggan during the twentieth century were prefound. During the previous three centuries a pattern of settled agriculture had developed, with discernible characteristics evolving in the type of crops grown, the breeds of animals kept, the methods of cultivation and the tools and machinery used. Much of agriculture was labour intensive, giving rise to a very large rural population. This was all to change, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century. These changes were revolutionary and affected every aspect of agriculture as we know it.

The changes which took place in agriculture in the Laggan during the twentieth century are all related to economic, social and technological history. The value of the crops grown and the animals reared, which were often 'exported' to other parts, had a marked effect on the prosperity of this area of relatively rich farmland. Change would not have been possible without the technological developments in farm machinery and their adoption by the farming community, the arrival of the tractor being just one example. The use of modern machinery meant that agriculture became much less labour intensive, which had a profound effect on the lives of the rural community.