Saturday, October 13, 2012

Download PDF The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon

Download PDF The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon

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The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon

The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon


The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon


Download PDF The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon

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The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book), by Gene Logsdon

Amazon.com Review

Gene Logsdon offers an alternative to the decline of the family farm by explaining how to successfully engage in what he calls "cottage farming" part-time for enjoyment as well as profit. This book gives readers the tools and information they need to grow their own food in a sustainable and Earth-friendly fashion, but it also tells some great, hilarious stories and includes some truly beautiful and evocative writing. This is not a dry, "how-to" book; it's a really great read even if you haven't a clue about (or any interest in) farming.

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Publishers Weekly-"Cutting down a large tree should be an act charged with ritual." Why? Farming columnist Logsdon ( Organic Orcharding ) points to the tree's "wonderful accomplishment" and to its "feat of survival" as models for ourselves. Then he goes on to discuss ways of felling trees that have come to the end of their lives and can therefore spare their wood for fuel. This collection of essays recommends cottage farming--the small-scale, part-time growing that aims to reduce food expenses and increase pleasure in living--in a tone that combines even-handed pragmatism, idealism ("Measure the value of products in human terms," he urges) and impatient realism ("Let those who put their faith in fancy threads laugh at your jeans"). The author rejects "institutionalized claptrap" for the greater benefits of rural independence and freedom, and outlines ways we can pursue these. "Flee the evils that centralized power always generates," he advises, calling himself an investor in "the tools that make sweat more productive." Logsdon raises a sanely unruly voice in a society where life too often only seems civilized. His correctives are not easily applied, but their promise and appeal (like his own) are powerful. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product details

Series: Real Goods Independent Living Book

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing; FIRST EDTION, 2ND PRINTING edition (May 1, 1995)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0930031741

ISBN-13: 978-0930031749

Product Dimensions:

6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review:

4.6 out of 5 stars

40 customer reviews

Amazon Best Sellers Rank:

#271,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

I love this book. From beginning to end, Gene spins a tale that seems almost fictional at times. Although the advice is very practical and informative, his way with words lets your mind delve into the story like some type of 'Alice in Wonderland' amusement park ride. You're not just reading this book, you're living it. Even the most basic mundane chores and uninviting tasks that he discusses in the myriad of rural farming seem to turn into some magical experience that you see yourself in, watching him, copying his every move, modeling after him like he was your father or grandfather, and you wanted nothing more than to be by his side, spend time with him; become him.The only thing that could make this book better would be photos. He spends a great deal of time talking about crops, insects, trees, weeds and birds, and unless you've spent many, many years in nature you may not know exactly what each one looks like, (I sure don't) and he mentions tons of them. I would definitely buy this book again as is, but a second printing with a color glossary or embedded images would be a cottage framer's go-to encyclopedia for sure.Well done, Mr. Logsdon.

This is more of a philosophical book on why cottage farming is good for the farmer and society as a whole. There are a few helpful hints and advice on what to do or not to do. The author is for the most part a skilled word smith well practiced in his art with extensive knowledge on his subject. I will keep the book in my library to loan to my friends when they need an interesting read.

This is a highly enjoyable book about how to make a profit on a small farm. The author's contention is that few people will ever get rich any more farming, but a family that's willing to work hard should be able to earn the money they need on a farm with considerably less than 100 acres. Logsdon stresses that if you calculate a dollar value for your labor, you'll find that your hourly wage is rather low, but on the other hand, if you enjoy what you're doing, then perhaps it isn't really valid to calculate the hourly wage anyhow. There's no arguing that farm labor is hard work, but how many city people pay large sums of money for gym memberships in order to get the exercise that they miss while sitting at their desks? Hoeing a garden provides great exercise at no cost, as well as an income when the produce is sold. However, on a huge factory farm, weeds must be controlled with herbicides or expensive gas-driven machinery, which brings down the profitability of the enterprise as well as damaging the environment. Logsdon's golden rule is never to finance farming by borrowing. He points out that "rates of money growth (interest) seldom match rates of biological growth," so borrowing money to buy farm or equipment or land is almost always the start of a losing proposition.After the first few chapters about what he terms "pastoral economics", Logsdon devotes separate chapters to each of the parts of his small farm ecosystem, the garden, the animals, water, meadows, trees, corn, mechanics, and pastures. Although he eschews wide-spread use of pesticides, he's not an organic purist, which may rub certified organic farmers the wrong way. He's very keen on maintaining animals like some sheep and chickens, a few pigs, and a cow or two. Many of his observations and suggestions center around maintaining the land and feeding the animals while getting the farm to yield a modest living for himself and his family. This book is thoroughly enjoyable to read, and contains many practical bits of advice as well as some interesting ideas to chew on.

I grew up on such a farm with a dad who wouldn't allow the agricultural agents who promoted gas powered machinery, commercial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides on the property. Dad foresaw what destruction would be wrought. Logsdon inspires hope with this book that return to sane farming is possible. Unfortunately, like my dad, he comes across as something of a crank. For that reason, I gave the book four stars instead of five, agreeing with the reviewer who wrote, "Had he been able to keep some of his misdirected predjudicial rants in check I would have given it 5 stars."

Really enjoyed the book. There is a lot of practical knowledge and a lot of philosophy for someone striving to be a "cottage farmer". The book is a welcome addition to other works espousing the sustainable lifestyle. The "cottage farm" is one that is not mono-product. It is diversified, producing various grains, several types of livestock, vegetable crops, and its own energy for heating/cooking/income. The "cottage farm" is one which is much like, if not a reflection of the farmsteads of the last century and years prior. It could be several acres to several hundred. It could well be the practical example of the future of agriculture.

This wonderful book is almost written as though the author is talking to a new young neighbor farmer, sharing his wise, hard learned experiences and reasons behind his cottage farm techiques. As a city boy myself (although nearly 50 now), I read this book with the excitement of a much younger man hanging onto every word from the authors mouth. I purchased this book along with nearly a dozen others on small farms, homesteading, chickens and such. This book is my favorite of all of them. The other books are just that, books, but The Contrary Farmer was like having grampa talking to you personally, giving direction, perspective and guidance in plain talk that instills his love for the cottage farm. Although this book taught me much about livestock, crops and machinery, the book left me with much more. I regret that the book has an end.I am planning to buy 10 acres for a cottage farm as I sort out how I will spend the rest of my life. I have no answers yet, but I will leave The Contrary Farmer on the lamp table instead of placing it in the bookshelf with the other 'books'.

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