Successful Small-Scale Farming: An Organic Approach (Down-To-Earth Book)

Once you get passed the government, agri-business, and scientist bashing introduction and first chapters, this is a good overview of farming equipment and basic practices. It is written for "new farmers", "a practical resource for the beginning cash crop grower." Judging by the equipment recommendations, it is intended for farmers rather than large gardeners.The book was almost ruined for me by comments such as "wrong headed farmers", "why soil scientists came up with such a cumbersome scale defies explanation" (referring to the logarithmic pH scale), while freely using science to support his beliefs (without citing sources or giving credit).The book has one of the best introductory farm equipment chapters, covering the small, older tractors a beginning farmer would be able to afford, and one of the best summaries of many pieces of farm equipment, that I have read. It is worth the price alone.It has a chapter on farming practices such as plowing, tilling, terracing, cultivating which is worth reading as well. There are rather cursory chapters on soils and plant growth. While the author obviously believes in organic and sustainable agriculture; he does little to explain it. There are two chapters analyzing various cash crops that serve as a good introduction to finding a crop to grow, including standard farm crops such as wheat and corn, and specialty crops such as berries and wood lots. The concluding chapters on the farm in general, and farm life, are also good.I would give the book four stars, perhaps, except for the bashing mentioned above, that serves no purpose whatsoever. It is a good book for someone taking a first look at farming as a new occupation.

This book is easy to read, to understand and it is very informative. I was not interested in a book full of stats from cover to cover, or a book with PHD dissertation styled vocabulary, or a preschooler's primer version either. This is a serious book for those of us who are new to farming. We need this, because even some of the simple know-how is not as obvious as it would be to a born and raised farmer. I think this book is a must read for those who have a passion for gardening and seriously consider farming or owning one in the future. Knowledge is a good investment.

This boolk reads a lot like a business book for those who want to farm. It is not a popular, easy to read, you can do it book. It is a practical guide that faces the reality of running a farm as an effective business. It talks about the mechanics of farming from a business stand point which is what is needed in the long run for those who hope to make a living at farming.

Bought this for my dad (in India) who decided to make a career switch from a metallurgist to an agriculturist/farming. He liked this book, however hasn't yet gone through it much, so can't give you a complete picture on how helpful the book was to him.

i hope to be able to use many of the techniques described in this book.i doubt we'll over own hundred of acres, but small-scale farming is an active goal for us

I only glanced through this book as I bought for a gift for my very environmentally inclined son. Who is striving to be self sufficient food wise.

so good its the sound of a rumble of a tractor in the field and the veggies getting bigger in the fields.

A really good read. I especially liked the chapters explaining different social gatherings that can be held in farming communities.

It is just not modern enough to apply the topics to any practical profitable farming.From a strictly hobby perspective I did really like the book, as it tells you lots of tips and tricks if you are a city slicker header for the country. I was raised on a small 3acre farm then large 250acre farm for 13 yrs of my life from 5-18.This book only works for hobby farmers and independently wealthy people who really want country farming without trying to make a living at it.

If you have a piece of land and thinking about doing some of your own crop growing you will find this book very useful. I am not a farmer but I am planning to do some farming. I believe this book has provided me with all the guidance I need to feel confident to start my farm adventure.I like the fact that old equipment is discussed. Because that is the direction I am going. The old equipment is still functional, affordable and worth employing on a small farm.I was very impressed with the information in this book.