George Hardman, a native of Oregon, was born near Prairie City in 1890. The son of a farmer, Mr. Hardman studied for a career in agriculture, receiving a master's degree from Oregon Agricultural College (later Oregon State College) in 1916. From 1918 to 1934, he was employed by the University of Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, working in Reno or Las Vegas, and also as a member of the faculty at the university. Interests in soil conservation led to appointments as state coordinator for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in Nevada, and in 1942, as State Conservationist. From June 1957 until 1967, Mr. Hardman was assistant director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He retired in 1967, recognized as one of the region's outstanding authorities in conservation. He is the author and coauthor of several studies on irrigation and soil amendment.

The memoir recorded by George Hardman includes accounts of his work with the Experiment Station farms at Reno and Las Vegas, teaching experiences at the University of Nevada College of Agriculture, work with the Soil Conservation Service and his role in establishing Soil Conservation Districts in Nevada, observations on various agricultural problems, and a philosophical conclusion.