Joel Salatin Knihy

“I love your ideas, but I only have a few acres. How do I do this at my scale?” Success with domestic livestock does not require large land bases. Joel Salatin and his family’s Polyface Farm in Virginia lead the world in animal-friendly and ecologically authentic, commercial, pasture-based livestock production. In Polyface Micro he adapts the ideas and protocols to small holdings (including apartments)! Homesteaders can increase production, enjoy healthy animals, and create aesthetically and aromatically pleasant livestock systems. Whether you’re a new or seasoned homesteader, you’ll find tips and inspiration as Joel coaches you toward success and abundance.

A proven production model is described, which is capable of producing an income from a small acreage of equal or superior to that of off-farm jobs.

In a day when beef is assailed by many environmental organizations and lauded by fast-food chains, a new paradigm to bring reason to this confusion is in order. With farmers leaving the land in droves and plows poised to "reclaim" set-aside acres, it is time to offer an alternative that is both land and farmer friendly.Beyond that, the salad bar beef production model offers hope to rural communities, to struggling row-crop farmers, and to frustrated beef eaters who do not want to encourage desertification, air and water pollution, environmental degradation and inhumane animal treatment. Because this is a program weighted toward creativity, management, entrepreneurism and observation, it breathes fresh air into farm economics.

Have you ever desired, deep within your soul, to make a comfortable full-time living from a farming enterprise? Too often people dare not even vocalize this desire because it seems absurd. It's like thinking the unthinkable. After all, the farm population is dwindling. It takes too much capital to start. The pay is too low. The working conditions are dusty, smelly and noisy: not the place to raise a family. This is all true, and more, for most farmers. But for farm entrepreneurs, the opportunities for a farm family business have never been greater. The aging farm population is creating cavernous niches begging to be filled by creative visionaries who will go in dynamic new directions. As the industrial agriculture complex crumbles and our culture clambers for clean food, the countryside beckons anew with profitable farming opportunities. While this book can be helpful to all farmers, it targets the wannabes, the folks who actually entertain notions of living, loving and learning on a piece of land. Anyone willing to dance with such a dream should be able to assess its assets and liabilities; its fantasies and realities. "Is it really possible for me?" is the burning question this book addresses.

The book presents a thoughtful approach to addressing the challenges faced by farm families as parents retire and children show disinterest in farming. It outlines the Salatin family's innovative multi-generational model, emphasizing practical strategies for sustaining family farms through collaboration and shared values. The proposal focuses on fostering a renewed interest in agriculture among younger generations while preserving the legacy and wisdom of experienced farmers.

Renowned for his innovative farming methods, Joel Salatin has gained national recognition as a leading organic farmer. His practices emphasize sustainability and ethical food production, making him a key figure in the movement for healthier food systems. Salatin's work has been highlighted in significant media, including Michael Pollan's bestseller and popular documentaries, showcasing his influence on contemporary agriculture and the importance of local, organic farming.

A third generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia provides a serious examination of the origin of the nation's current food supply and advocates for rebuilding America through family farms, sustainable living and fresh and natural eating. 70,000 first printing.

Drawing upon 40 years' experience as an ecological farmer and marketer, Joel Salatin explains with humor and passion why Americans do not have the freedom to choose the food they purchase and eat. From child labor regulations to food inspection, bureaucrats provide themselves sole discretion over what food is available in the local marketplace. Their system favors industrial, global corporate food systems and discourages community-based food commerce, resulting in homogenized selection, mediocre quality, and exposure to non-organic farming practices. Salatin's expert insight explains why local food is expensive and difficult to find and will illuminate for the reader a deeper understanding of the industrial food complex.

Empowering food buyers is a central theme, as the author, a dedicated farmer, advocates for positive alternatives to the industrial food system. The book aims to foster a collaborative relationship between clean food producers and consumers while integrating modern technology with ethical practices. It emphasizes educating buyers about food production and promoting an ecological food system for future generations. Ultimately, it encourages readers to view their food choices as impactful decisions that shape the world for the next generation.