Books on Small Farming

Christos · Aug 16, 2008

I gotta question for you all. Are there any good reference books on Small Scale Agriculture?

I know a site member was working a book and I remember reading chapters out of it. I've borrowed Joel Salatin's book from the library at school and it has me interested in some of the principles he uses. I just wanted to see what else is out there.

Christos

OldFarmTractor · Aug 16, 2008

I have found volumes of information on the State University"s Extension sites.

Google - university extension farm

You will find tons of info and it most is quite up to date.

Kevin (FL) · Aug 16, 2008

I have an old Allis Chalmers book about small farm operations and techniques but its boxed up right now as we're still doing hurricane repairs. Don't remember the exact name of the book but I think it was written for the AC B tractor and its implements.

Also found a link (See below) on Amazon for "Successful Small-Scale Farming An Organic Approach". Can't vouch for it though as I've never read it...
Successful Small Scale Farming

Coffee Helps · Aug 16, 2008

I've had an interesting book a long time: "A Garlic Testament" (Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm) by Stanley Crawford. Paperback, copyright 1992, Harper Perennial. Discusses garlic A-Z & Farmers' Mkt. in Santa Fe.

tanklord · Aug 16, 2008

Here's one that I have read. It is out of print and used copies can be pricey, but it has a lot of good info.

"Booker T. Whatley's handbook on how to make $100,000 farming 25 acres" : with special plans for prospering on 10 to 200 acres

The author is Booker T. Whatley.

Traditional Farmer · Aug 16, 2008

Several good books by Gene Logsdon they come up on ebay all the time and get a subscription to Acres USA also they have many good books

Anonymous-0 · Aug 16, 2008

If you want a "back to the basics" approach to small scale, low budget farming, try Gene Logsdon's "The Contrary Farmer". Nothing earth shattering, sure not anything high tech or ultra modern, but some good solid information. MOST of what you'll read is targeting the "wannabe" city farmer's. Not everything in the book is applicable to every person who'll read it, but there's a few "old school" ideas that you won't find in the latest, most up-to-date university short courses. All in all, an interesting read.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 16, 2008

You must have hit the submit key just as I started typing!

Chris in MO · Aug 16, 2008

Read the bibliography in other books you find helpful.

A few places I've seen interesting titles and even bought a few: ACRES,USA; THE STOCKMAN GRASSFARMER; a used book website www.abebooks.com; also a semi-government organization called ATTRA (http://attra.ncat.org/).

The best method of getting information is the soil, plants and animals themselves. All it takes is time and the ability to see what is really going on.

Christopher

Tim in OR · Aug 16, 2008

I inherited a set of books called "Farm Knowledge" from my grandfather. The latest copyright was 1919 if I remember correctly. The set was sold by Sears and Roebuck back then. Lots of lost info in those books. I especially like the volume about Farm machinery. The one statement I remember the most is "In this authors opinion, The tractor will never replace the horse as the primary source of farm power".
good luck in your quest.
Tim in OR

Rst277 · Aug 16, 2008

check out "small farm canada". This is a magazine which is very practical and technical. Their website allows you to preview various issues. Lots of practical info

Books on Small Farming

Christos

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OldFarmTractor

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Kevin (FL)

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Coffee Helps

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tanklord

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Traditional Farmer

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Chris in MO

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Tim in OR

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Rst277

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