Before the arrival of the tractor, the combine harvester and the beet lifters, horsepower really was horse power and many hands made light work. In order to provide every Belgian with his or her daily bread a large number of people were required to work in the field. The continuing mechanisation of agriculture changed the very essence of the craft of farming. A selection of twelve films from 1920-1970 reveals twelve agricultures, each a mirror of their time. From a small-scale rural activity, based on manual work, to an international industrial business. An essay by Bert Woestenborghs reconstructs the evolution of the past one hundred and fifty years.
CONTENT
The Belgian Draught Horse (Ernest Genval, 1931-1932 - 06:34)
Before the mechanisation of agriculture, the draught horse provided the necessary power needed at the farm. Excerpts from a documentary by Ernest Genval on the internationally acclaimed 'Brabant' draught horse. Music by Hughes Maréchal.
Aspects of Belgian Agriculture (André Villers, 1925 - 11:59)
Abridged version of a documentary by André Villers presenting the showpieces of Belgian agriculture of the time. Music by Hughes Maréchal.
Introduction to Rural Life of the Future (André Villers, 1923 - 08:01)
Promotional and educational documentary by André Villers and the students of the agricultural institute of Laeken, showing a day in the life of a modern farmer's wife. Music by Hughes Maréchal.
Rural Life in Tielen (Jos Theeuws, 1948 - 12:40)
Report by Jos Theeuws on the rural life in Tielen before the era of the machine. The inhabitants of Tielen play themselves. Music by Hughes Maréchal.
Swaying Gold (Camille Joset & Arthur Vermuyten, 1939 - 37:02)
Medium-length promotional film produced by the Red Cross promoting the consumption of bread via a complex and edifying story.
The Factory in the Field (Charles Dekeukeleire, 1945 - 10:17)
Documentary by Charles Dekeukeleire which shows outdoor vegetable cultivation in the forties. After harvesting, the peas and asparagus go straight to the canning-factory.
Ideal Family Crop (Gaston Vernaillen, 1949 - 16:25)
Promotional documentary on the cultivation of the famous Belgian chicory. All the stages, from sowing and harvesting to exportation, are explained.
Yesterday's Harvest, Today's Harvest (Prod. Etablissements Léon Claeys, 1952 - 06:04)
On the occasion of the launch of a self-propelled combine harvester, the Belgian agricultural machinery manufacturer Claeys makes a comparison between harvesting yesterday and today. Abridged version. Music by Hughes Maréchal.
Machine Demonstration in the Moeren (Jef Leyssens, 1954 - 19:05)
Report on a large-scale demonstration of beet harvesters in De Moeren. The machine manufacturers shows their latest models.
Withering on Wire (Gaston Vernaillen, 1961 - 07:25)
Film by Gaston Vernaillen which promotes a simple technique for drying grass on wire. Only wooden beams and wire are needed.
Modern Times (compilation, 1919-1967 - 16:58)
Compilation of excerpts in which new technologies are presented: the first tractors just prior to the twenties, all kinds of machine demonstrations, mostly organised by the Boerenbond (Belgian Farmer's Union), agricultural fairs in Brussels, a spraying helicopter, and so on.
The Innovators (Sperry New Holland, 1976 - 14:46)
Promotional film from the multinational Sperry New Holland which presents its latest agricultural machinery and views the future with ambition.
Length:166'
Subtitles & navigation: English, French, Dutch
Regio code: PAL (region free)