I’m reading the most fabulous book. It’s called “You Can Farm” by Joel Salatin. And it’s super fascinating reading. And you know, silly me, I thought it was all about small scale farming. But it’s not. It’s about life.
It’s actually a book packed with some of the best wisdom about life in general I’ve ever read. I know that sounds like a bit much, but it’s true. It’s the first book I’ve ever read about a subject that pretty much tells you the truth and kind of tries to sway your dreams and ideas. It tells you the gritty facts about success and failure. And it has such good advice that you are foolish not to give it a try. Like here’s one on for size… volunteer at a farm. Wow. You mean, like go and TRY IT OUT and see if you like it before you totally rearrange your life and goals and suddenly realize it’s hard work?
Oh, here’s another one. Rent a couple acres and try it out. Try a big huge garden and see if you can handle it. Or maybe ask to put a little coop on some retired farmers land and share the eggs and a little cash. How about taking the time to REALLY REALLY learn about how to make money on your little farm dream?
But wait, there’s more. The advice and wisdom that Salatin dishes out applies to any venture you want to undertake. Business? Hobby? Career? I just finished a section that just floored me. It’s Chapter 8… Recipes for Failure. Ten things that will doom you. But here’s the catch, it’s not just about farming. It applies to all sorts of things.
#10 Being too independent and self-suffcient.
#9 Impatience
#8 Not enough “WHY” and too much “HOW”
#7 Production before marketing
#6 Lack of Capital
#5 Too much time spent in non-farm offices
#4 Spending ahead of management
#3 Inability to view the farm as a business
#2 Spending too much money on things that do not create income
#1 Disagreement over vision between husband and wife
(Ok, the last one is not necessarily me, but it applies to business partners and those helping you, family and such…)
Of course, I can’t just go on and on about what he has written, but you know, the way that he lays this one chapter out, alone, is great wisdom for any venture.
Like Jenna tells us and explains… My name is Sherri and I have Barnheart. You can click HERE and go and learn about this affliction. But ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to live on a few acres and grow stuff and make things and raise animals and all that. And I’m getting old. It slaps me in the face when I feel the aches of a super cold night, or realize that things like falling down really hurt, for days. Or that I’m totally out of shape to really be able to do hard labor and enjoy it. And that the days are slipping away into years faster than I would like some times.
This book, however, has been wonderful and even though he’s trying to stop those tht haven’t really thought it all out well, he’s also giving the others more reason to really get serious about planning and learning and setting goals, good realistic goals that just might work. And in the meanwhile, they might not get us to that perfect little farm in my dreams, but they might get us closer to a comfortable middle ground. Who knows? Renting a couple acres might be the perfect solution! Or partnering up with someone that needs a couple hands. Or just making our moby land super productive and finding other avenues for our ideas and dreams!
You Can Farm was not a cheap book… $35! And it was impossible to find a used copy! Imagine that. Because I know that it was probably the best $35 a ever spent to help me realistically look at making a dream come true. And I don’t think I’ll ever want to part with this book, ever. Even if I never get that little farm. Doesn’t matter, this book is perfect wisdom for helping to make the right decision when the time comes!
Visit Joel and his family’s wonderful farm…
Oh, and if you have Barnheart… buy the book. It’s awesome.
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