I’ve got a broken milking machine I can’t afford to fix…
““I’ve got a broken milking machine I can’t afford to fix, and I’ve already had to fire my farm hand! My wife had to quit the farm and take a job in town! I won’t let you do this to me, Hooper! It would be an insult to all my farming ancestors if I sold my goods to you at these rotten prices! I swear I’ll sell this farm before I do it! Farmer Ben’s outburst had been so loud that some of the cubs were left holding their hands over their ears. But Ed Hooper hadn’t so much as flinched. “Well, what you do with your farm is none of my business,” said Hooper. “It darn sure isn’t!” yelled Ben. “Because your business is robbery! You’re nothin’ but an old-fashioned highway robber! You put a supermarket out on the highway and use it to rob folks!” Hooper’s smug little smile got bigger. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Ben,” he said. “But I can get my farm goods elsewhere. I’ll be on my way now. Have a nice day, Ben.” Hooper turned to leave, but happened to glance back and see Farmer Ben reaching for a pitchfork stuck in the ground. “ Have a nice day? ” Ben cried. “Don’t you dare tell me to have a nice day!” And with that, Farmer Ben raised his pitchfork and chased Ed Hooper into the cow pasture. Hooper dashed across the pasture toward his shiny new car. He reached the car safely, but not before stepping in three cow pies.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A farmer protests unfair pricing, confronting a corrupt buyer, leading to a heated, physical confrontation.
In simple terms: A farmer fights a buyer over low prices, ending in a chase.
Stand up against exploitation, but seek peaceful resolution.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- farmers negotiating prices
- community support
- ethical buying practices
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑violent alternatives could farmer Ben have used?
- How can communities protect small farmers from predatory buyers?
Violence escalates conflict; may harm relationships.