[prettyponies]

Answering oxman's post....

The new developments don't reduce farming. They merely expand the possibilities of creating new locales and (dare I say) climates for farms. If I wanted a Texas farm, I could have one now, complete with oil rigs. If I wanted an oceanfront property, I now don't have to labor over layering the river sections to create a beach. People have created mountain hideaways, trailer parks, ski resorts, islands, etc. The facilities just add a bit more fun to the mix. Prior to the facilities, the vast majority of the farms looked like a flat, endless vista resembling farmland in Kansas. Boring!!!

Besides, NOTHING says you have to load up your place with facilities -- I love the fact that I can pick and choose what I want for industrial/retail places that fit in harmony with my farm design. And I still have tons of land to farm upon to use as produce in my facilities, share with my neighbors, or just grow because I like the looks of the crop.