Start Your Farm: The Authoritative Guide to Becoming a Sustainable 21st-Century Farmer Paperback – September 10, 2018

I ordered this book expecting it to be a basic guide of what to plant and which animals to get to get a small farm up and running. I’m pleasantly surprised by how through the business side of it is. As someone looking to start a subsistence farm while our family lives on my husband’s salary much of the information isn’t really for me *right now* but wow is it ever interesting and I feel so well informed having it in my back pocket. Now I know that if our growing or livestock is going well and we would like to pick up some extra income we have a basic foundation for how to go about doing so in a way that is profit focused. It will also give us a leg up if we find ourselves in a place where we have surplus to sell or would someday like to farm full time after seeing how things go on a small scale.I’d say the book is ideally suited for those looking to start a farm of 50-200 acres with some but not a lot of diversity and an eye on making money. It’s not a book for those who are wanting to farm to solely better the land or leave corporate America or take it up as a hobby although it would be useful for those people as well. It’s also a worthwhile read for those looking to start smaller farms as well since the principals the authors go over in their alternating chapters can easily be scaled down to all but the smallest backyard homesteads. It’s well written with a modern, somewhat acedwmic air that’s refreshing after so many back to nature how to farm guides.

Start Your Farm is not like all the other start-your-farm books. It helps you to understand what farmers need in all the ways that a real farmer knows about -- mental strength, an aptitude for business, wide-ranging interests, a desire to learn all sorts of skills, physical stamina, a capacity for joy -- and it gives you reason to believe that you can do it. With two different farmer voices, the stories are funny and interesting and illustrative. Even if you don't want to be a farmer yourself, you will have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the lives that farmers choose. The world needs more sustainable farmers and this book will help to make that possible. And it's good reading.

I think the scope is great for anyone who is just getting into the idea of farming with a genuine interest. This won't be the last book I read on the subject, but I think it's a solid first.

If you're looking for a book about how to actually grow stuff, this is not the one for you.On the other hand, if you're looking for a book about the actual business of farming...there's no better place to start than here. The authors leverage their own experiences in making their farm(s) profitable and personally fulfilling. They don't romanticize the hard stuff, and are quite clear about the various tings that a self-employed farmer/ grower has to consider.Have you thought about supply chains? Advertising? Transportation/ distribution costs? How to price your products in a manner that's fair to both you and your customers? What products to grow/raise? All of these are pertinent if you're thinking about going into agriculture as a job.This book is an easy read...straightforward and uncomplicated. Definitely one to keep on hand as you start your farming journey.

Good perspectives and stories that can convey important lessons in farming as a business, lifestyle, and passion. I’m happy with this book and am glad to have purchased it. It will stay in my farming catalogue and I think it’s a great new-to-agriculture selection for someone who might be looking for a multi-perspective book.

Came just as described and was a good read! Definitely learned lot

It’s not often that I feel the need to review a book, but I can’t overstate the value of what’s found in these pages. After reading Gaining Ground (which I finished in record time), I was sold on anything written by Forrest Pritchard, and now, Ellen Polishuk. These guys simultaneously give you hope as well as a reality check with no trace of ego. They touch on topics that you’d expect like strategies for gaining access to land and how to determine which crops are best suited for your soil, as well as subjects that you may have given little thought like the importance of self-care and building strong relationships. I’m sure I will reference this book time and time again in the years to come.

Excellent resource for anyone thinking about starting their own farm (whether raising animals, food, or both). This is an entertaining and easy-to-read book, that contains tons of useful information. Being printed in 2018, the information is timely and relevant. An excellent selection of additional resources is also included in the back of the book. I highly recommend this book. Please mark if you find my review helpful. Thank you so much!