Farm Library

The following are books from my personal bookshelf and reading. Some of these reads are consumer oriented and others producer oriented.

OMNIVORES DILEMMA — by Michael Pollan. For those who want to know what happens in various food systems from field to plate this is a must read. This eye opening book describes in great detail each step in the production system of feedlot animals and the big industry organic food. He describes the hunter-gatherer model and in greater detail the pastoral grass-based farming model. He reveals the stark contrasts of the grass-based model from conventional and even “certified organic”, “all-natural”, “cage-free”, and “free-range” production models.

THE UNSETTLING OF AMERICA - by Wendell Berry. A powerful treatise that reminds us of the American ideal of indepedent land ownership and the benefits it brings to society at large.  A great warning of how the conventional farming model is taking our nation to the edge. 

PASTURE PERFECT — by Jo Robinson. This book describes the nutritional and health benefits of meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products that come from animals raised in a pasture based system.

NOURISHING TRADITIONS — by Sally Fallon. The cookbook that rocked the world. Conventional wisdom of modern health officials is dispelled in this cookbook and calls for a return to the culinary practices of our ancestors. The health benefits of these practices are well documented by the Weston A. Price Foundation.

THE MAKER'S DIET - by Jordan S. Rubin. A Biblically based and scientifically proven holistic health plan in a world full of dieting fads and health programs. Discover how your health and physical wellness can be restored and sustained by simply eating the right foods. No medical treatment necessary.

HOME GROWN — by Brian Halweil. Subtitled “The Case For Local Food In A Global Market”, Halweil makes a compelling argument for the possibilities of the local food movement to revitalize rural areas, restore poor nations, and provide fresh, wholesome, and delicious food to town and country folk.

HOLY COWS & HOG HEAVEN — by Joel Salatin. Written by the mentor at my farm apprenticeship, this book informs the consumer about making responsible food choices. It empowers them to seek alternatives to industrialized pseudo-food and the ramifications this has on us as well as future generations.

GRASS PRODUCTIVITY — by Andre Voisin. Considered to be the Bible for grass farmers. The most basic principles of grazing are outlined in this book.

PERMACULTURE: A DESIGNERS' MANUAL — by Bill Mollison. A thorough expose of synergistic and holistic landscape design. A must read for the ecologically minded, do-it-yourself homesteader.

SALAD BAR BEEF — by Joel Salatin. From the most eco-friendly grazing farm in the country, Joel shares his template of production, philosophy, and marketing aspects you need to know to succeed with your grazing operation.

MANAGEMENT INTENSIVE GRAZING — by Jim Gerrish. A hard hitting and practical production book. A good read for beginning grazers and a fine-tuner for experienced grazers.

YOU CAN FARM — by Joel Salatin. This is the Bible of the entrepreneurial farmer. For those that have ever dreamed of making a living farming full-time in a way that is “so lucrative and enjoyable that your own children will want to do it” this book is for you.

PASTURED POULTRY PROFITS — by Joel Salatin. The most practical and hard hitting book available on raising pastured poultry. Joel covers the production, processing, trouble shooting, and marketing of a pastured poultry operation.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FARMING — by Joel Salatin. An incredible testimony of a multigenerational family farm business. This is a must read not only for farm families, but for family businesses of any kind.