Deep Furrows

"Deep Furrows" by Herbert Joseph Moorhouse is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the struggles and achievements of the farmers in Western Canada as they navigated the challenges of co-operative marketing, particularly focusing on the formation and efforts of the Grain Growers' Associations. The narrative emphasizes the experiences of the farmers, showcasing their resilience and unity in the face of commercial exploitation. The opening of the work introduces readers to the agricultural environment in the Canadian prairies, highlighting the natural beauty and the harsh realities faced by the farmers during the early 1900s. It presents the perspective of a solitary farmer driving a grain wagon who is burdened by the oppressive conditions posed by market monopolies and railway companies. As he reflects on the difficulties associated with transporting his wheat to market, he is drawn into a dialogue with another farmer, setting the stage for discussions on the urgent need for collective action and potential rebellion against the unjust practices in the grain market. The emergence of this camaraderie among farmers foreshadows the organized efforts that will unfold in the chapters to come.