George picked up the black tea on the table and took a sip, and then said slowly: "Uncle Ryan, how is the current situation of the farm and ranch?"

Ryan also put down the tea cup in his hand and replied: "Well, George, you are an adult now, and you need to know more about your farm. It will be managed by you in the future. Then I will introduce it to you.

The farm and pasture now total about 4,500 acres. The main crops on the farm are soybeans, wheat, corn and buckwheat. There are a total of 185 bulls and 8 cows, all of which are beef cattle. The wheat is growing well and should be grown next year.

There will be a good harvest. The pasture is also prepared, so there is no need to worry about the feed for the sheep this winter. The machinery has also been maintained by me personally, and they are all good friends."

There is no doubt that the United States started the process of agricultural mechanization after World War I. The development of the industrial revolution also greatly promoted the development of agriculture.

In terms of mechanization, from 1916 to 1919, the number of trucks used increased by an average of 25% per year. The growth rate of fuel tractors was even faster. From 1910 to 1914, a total of only 50,000 fuel tractors were produced, and after 1917

Sales volume exceeded this figure every year, and even reached more than 160,000 units in 1920.

Stimulated by World War I, American agriculture experienced unprecedented prosperity from 1914 to 1920. At the same time, due to the excessive expansion of agricultural production capacity during the war, especially the production capacity of food crops and cash crops, the post-war

This resulted in serious overproduction, which directly caused agriculture to fall into a long-term depression starting in the summer of 1920.

Hearing Ryan's words, George knew that he must have misunderstood something, and said: "Uncle Ryan, I think you misunderstood. You have been taking care of the farm for a long time. We are a family. Leave it to you and me."

There’s nothing to worry about.”

George knew that as Uncle Ryan, who regarded him as a family member, he would be a big help in his future plans. He could not do everything by himself and would definitely need help. Therefore, he must dissuade Ryan before that.

misunderstanding and gain his trust and support.

So some things must be made clear. However, it is impossible for George to directly tell Ryan that there will be an economic depression in the summer of 1920. After all, it is only December 1919. If George said it directly, he would definitely think it was stupid.

words.

George thought for a while and continued: "Uncle Ryan, you have seen the world. What do you think is the reason for the rapid development of agriculture and the rise in agricultural product prices in recent years?"

Ryan thought for a moment and said slowly: "It's war."

George nodded and said: "Yes, Uncle Ryan. It's a war. When the war gradually spreads, European agricultural production was greatly damaged, and the huge military supplies made countries stretched, it is conceivable that they relied on overseas agricultural products.

”

"The war ended last year. After a year of recovery, various European countries have resumed agricultural production. So, Uncle Ryan, can you guess what will happen next?"

Lane replied: "You are worried that crop prices will fall."

"Yes, Uncle Ryan. Compared with the war, crop exports have dropped significantly, and the introduction of domestic mechanization and the increase in agricultural production capacity will inevitably lead to a large backlog of crops. The decline in crop prices is inevitable. I am even worried that even if the price drops, many agricultural and sideline products will not be sold. After all, the domestic population is so large and the digestion capacity is limited.”

Ryan looked at George in front of him. Since he recovered from his illness a month ago, the changes had been so great that he felt strange. However, he had to admit that George's analysis was reasonable.

"Then, what are you going to do?"

When Ryan said these words, George knew that the first step of the plan was successful. He took a sip of black tea and said slowly: "Uncle Ryan, I'm worried that this crisis will not end in a year or two." , you know. If it develops as we speculated, then our farm will bear a huge burden to continue operating. After all, the annual investment cost is a huge expense."

"Yes, George, if your guess comes true, then something very terrible will happen. Do you have any specific ideas?"

Seeing Ryan's frown, George felt it was time to reveal his purpose. "Uncle Ryan, I think now is a good time to sell the farm."

Ryan looked at the boy in front of him with complicated eyes and said, "Have you made up your mind yet? You know this is no small matter."

George said: "Today I just communicated my thoughts with Uncle Ryan. We are a family. You are my elder, and I still need to listen to your opinion. Moreover, I remember Uncle Ryan, you and my father have a relationship." A comrade who is a quartermaster. I think you can ask him about this situation."

Ryan said: "Well, okay, I will ask as soon as possible. Today is Christmas, let's go, boy, choose a Christmas tree and bring it back. You can't expect a disabled person to prepare everything."

"Haha, yes, sir!" George agreed with a smile.

In the morning, George accompanied Ryan to choose a tree as tall as one person in the pine forest on his farm and brought it back. At noon, he ate some steak and salad without taking a break. George alone, with the cooperation of Ryan, took care of the tree. The two-story building where they live is decorated with all kinds of colorful ribbons inside and outside.

At night, there were just the two of them. Aili had her own family. After cooking dinner, she went back early to accompany her family.

After George and Ryan had a sumptuous dinner and gave each other small gifts, they said good night to each other and went back to their rooms to rest early.

Back in the room, George took a shower and went to sleep directly. Bijin was cutting trees in the woods again today and decorating the house in the afternoon, so he still had some activity.

The next day, after George got up early and had breakfast, he picked up a book and read by the fireplace. When he was tired, he went for a walk outside the house. There is really no entertainment in this era.

George is planning to graduate from high school next year and take the SAT exam.

In fact, there is no college entrance examination for students in the United States, but if they want to enter American universities, American high school students need to provide test scores of SAT or ACT. The final scores of SAT and ACT are important references for students to apply for study and scholarships in prestigious American universities. If students are interested in

If you are not satisfied with your SAT or ACT scores, you can take the test again until you get the score you are most satisfied with.

SAT, the full name is Scholastic Assessment Test, and its Chinese name is Academic Ability Assessment Test. It is sponsored by the College Board and mainly tests the reading and writing skills necessary for students in college. Unlike the SAT, the ACT test is more like

It is a subject test that emphasizes candidates' mastery of course knowledge and also takes into account the test of candidates' independent thinking and judgment abilities. The SAT is more commonly accepted in coastal areas, while the ACT test is more accepted in the Midwest and South.

In addition to preparing for the exam, George also needs to prepare three letters of recommendation. The higher the social status, the better. This will only trouble Ryan.

In addition to teaching people knowledge, American universities are actually more of a social place. This is why George wants to go to a university.

Although George has a general understanding of the historical trends of later generations, as a flower grower in his previous life, his understanding of American history was only superficial things he learned from the Internet or film and television works. Only those who learn more can only learn more.

Learn more about the secrets.

George is still very confident about taking the exam. After all, he was specialized in tutoring in his last life. There is still no problem in passing the exam. Reading more books will just make the test better, and some knowledge is more relevant. The time difference between the two lives is nearly a hundred years.

Some knowledge must have changed.

Three more days passed like this. In the afternoon, Ryan walked quickly to George and handed him a piece of paper.

He said to George with a serious face: "George, you really got it right. Now, Europe has reduced its import of agricultural and sideline products from the United States. My comrade Kirk said that they only escorted one person this month.

On a merchant ship, the products are mainly luxury goods. Here is his telegram."

George put down the book in his hand and took the telegram. He was not too surprised when he looked at the contents. These were things he had known for a long time. He only wanted to inquire about the news to dispel Ryan's doubts and gain Ryan's trust and support.

.

Ryan, seeing George reading the telegram, said again: "George, what are your plans next?"

"Uncle Ryan, don't be anxious, sit down and talk slowly."

Seeing Ryan sit down, George continued: "Uncle Ryan, you can go to the surrounding bars for a drink in the next few days. By the way, I want to go to college elsewhere. I have no intention of continuing to operate a farm and ranch. I will naturally do it when the time comes."

Someone came to us to talk about an acquisition."

Ryan, without asking any more questions, agreed directly and said, "Okay, no problem. Going to college is indeed a good choice."

"Uncle Ryan, there is one more thing I need to trouble you with," George said

"Haha, brat, if you have anything to say, just tell me"

George looked at Ryan who was laughing and said: "Uncle Ryan, I have to trouble you to find a way to get a recommendation letter from the university."

Ryan laughed again and said: "Okay, but if I want to get a better recommendation letter, I need to think carefully about who is more suitable. How about, are you confident in the exam?"

George also laughed and said: "Of course there is no problem, I will take care of everything else."

In fact, in the United States, test scores only account for a part of the admission process. College admissions must examine a student's comprehensive conditions during high school.

The pressure on high school students in the United States is no less than that in China. Some children who participate in campus sports teams have to exercise for nearly two hours every afternoon after school. It is definitely a very harsh training! They have to practice hard every time.

They are sweating profusely! So the children have to do their homework between classes and playing games. This is the rhythm of U.S. high school students!

American high school teachers do not teach grammar in detail like Chinese English teachers, so when preparing for standardized tests (ACT, SAT), students have to make up for grammar. The United States also does not have a unified syllabus, even in the same school and in the same subject

Several teachers may teach differently. They will not teach the subjects of the national standardized test SAT1 and SAT2. Therefore, when preparing for the subject of SAT2 mathematics, students will find that some knowledge points are not taught at all. The smart ones will

Buy an official exam book and study by yourself. If you can't keep up, you can only sign up for a cram school or hire a one-to-one tutor for tutoring. This is similar to the situation in China. In addition to academic studies, you must have social activities, join various interest clubs, and do

Volunteer, participate in sports activities, etc. (The United States does not like nerds, and the most popular figures on campus are the school team captains and cheerleaders.) Because when recruiting undergraduate students in the United States, each university has its own admission threshold (GPA, standardized test scores), and the child’s grades

After passing this threshold, whether or not to be admitted depends on the child's social activities, contribution to society, leadership, spiritual quality and other soft skills. Therefore, it is possible that children with low scores will be admitted, while those with high scores will be rejected.

This is normal. American universities attach great importance to the diversity of students, so children must have their own various sports or literary talents to be admitted to good universities.

Because of George's own health, he has never participated in any high school social activities. Fortunately, the requirements in this era are not so strict, and there is still time to make up for it. As for other things, George is ready to use his money ability to clear the way. In this world where money is paramount
Chapter completed!