Doornkraal is a farm near De Rust where Swepie and Anne le Roux have farmed for decades. This is where they taught their children all seven of them to live off the bounty of the land.

When photographer Paul Mobley set out to capture the soul of America's farming communities, he discovered a culture defined by tradition, integrity, and hard work. The result is a stunning series of portraits and quotes that collectively chronicle the life of a quickly disappearing lifestyle.

Maurine Becotte was born and raised in the farming community of Cut Knife Saskatchewan. She was the eldest daughter of Irwin and Margaret Duvall. Her dream was to become a veterinarian, but young women of her time did not become veterinarians so she followed "Societies Rules" and become a school teacher. After a few short years of teaching school Maurine met and married a true farmer, Emile Becotte, of the Seagram District. Together they raised their family of eight children on a mixed farm in the Baldwinton Area of Saskatchewan. They grew a variety of grain crops, but their passion was the herd of purebred Angus cattle that the built from meager beginnings. As their children we were not quite sure which meant more to them; the beautiful black cows that we all came to love or us as children. Neither one lacked for love or attention. Times were hard on the farm and there was always work to be done. Maurine always found time to create fun and joy in life for family, friends and neighbors. She always had the coffee pot on and time to chat with all who passed thru our yard. On one occasion a native family passed through in a horse drawn wagon and the young mother asked for some fresh water. Maurine being the kind person she was gave them the fresh water and a jar of fresh cows milk for the infant child. Some months later that same young woman thanked Mom again for her generosity. Maurine began writing poetry while attending college in 1940, and she continued to write throughout her life. Her poetry is highlighted with ideas that came from everyday life -- the beauties of nature, the love of family and community, the dedication to farm life in Saskatchewan, history, politics and war. In the 1970's and 1980's Maurine and two daughters compiled six volumes of her poetry under the name of Housewife Harmony Volumes 1 through 6. Maurine wrote poetry for some fifty plus years before ill health took away her capacity to write. She died in March, 1996, without achieving her one great wish to see her poetry published in one complete book. This book is the fulfillment of that dream. Rather than use Housewife Harmony as a title, I have chosen to call the book "From the Heart of a Prairie Farm Wife" because Mom truly wrote from the heart. The following pages will unveil the ability Maurine had in the stroke of the pen.

“Richard Horan has brought us a welcome view of America to defy the prevailing political and financial nastiness. This is a timely and important book.” —Ted Morgan, author of Wilderness at Dawn “A lively visit with the dauntless men and women who operate America’s family farms and help provide our miraculous annual bounty. Richard Horan writes with energy and passion.” —Hannah Nordhaus, author of The Beekeeper’s Lament “Horan’s new book evocatively describes the peril and promise of family farms in America. I loved joining him on this journey, and so will you.” —T.A. Barron, author of The Great Tree of Avalon In Seeds, novelist and nature writer Richard Horan sought out the trees that inspired the work of great American writers like Faulkner, Kerouac, Welty, Wharton, and Harper Lee. In Harvest, Horan embarks upon a serendipitous journey across America to work the harvests of more than a dozen essential or unusual food crops—and, in the process, forms powerful connections with the farmers, the soil, and the seasons.