New Books in Economics Andrew Ofstehage, "Welcome to Soylandia: Transnational Farmers in the Brazilian Cerrado" (Cornell UP, 2025)
May 19, 2025
Andrew Ofstehage, an economic and environmental anthropologist, dives into the world of transnational farming in Brazil. He discusses how U.S. Midwest farmers flock to Brazil, turning traditional practices into industrial models, raising questions about sustainability. The challenges these farmers face include navigating local cultures and regulatory hurdles while managing 'flexible farms.' Ofstehage highlights the tensions between profit-driven practices and community connections, revealing fascinating insights into the dynamics of globalized agriculture.
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Soylandia Defined and Explained
- Soylandia represents a globally expanding zone of intense soy production with flexible farming practices.
- It disconnects traditional farm units like land, crops, and labor to maximize adaptability and profit across borders.
Midwest Farmers Move to Brazil
- Young U.S. Midwest farmers moved to Brazil due to expensive land and limited opportunities at home.
- They sought cheaper land, adventure, and some had religious or evangelical motivations.
Investment Dynamics Behind Moves
- These farmers financed their Brazilian farms mainly through pooled investments from local U.S. farmers.
- The investments blended production goals with speculative hopes for massive land appreciation.
