So we have the origin of the whole farming genre here, it seems. I cannot remember a game earlier than Harvest Moon that was focused on growing crops. Unless you count something like Command & Conquer in this genre, which I don't.
This is one I never played myself, it just didn't seem like something I would be interested in. I know a lot of gamers that do enjoy this one though and they can go on for hours discussing it.
Yes, this is the original one I think. A breath of fresh air from games where you have to defeat something.
Thanks for the comment.